Motherwell manager Stuart McCall was far from downbeat after watching his side struggle in a 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League loss at Hearts.
Hearts again defied their off-field troubles by moving within six points of third-placed Well, with Ian Black and Stephen Elliott on target.
The result was Motherwell's second away loss of the season, but McCall was philosophical as David Templeton and Mehdi Taouil were influential in the hosts' success.
McCall said: "We've no divine right just to go anywhere and, because we've been doing okay away from home, expect to win the game.
"It's disappointing, but there's no disgrace coming to Hearts and getting beaten by the side they can put out on the park.
"We defended poorly for the two goals, we didn't do enough creatively to really cause them a problem."
The result saw Hearts manager Paulo Sergio celebrate his return to the dugout following a five-match touchline ban with a third win from nine matches since the first team initially suffered delayed payment of their wages. December's pay remains overdue.
Hearts named an unchanged team following the 4-0 defeat of Dunfermline, with Templeton retained despite being ill during the week - and the winger had a hand in both goals.
He gave Tom Hateley a torrid time in the first half, going inside, outside and even subjecting the Well right-back to the indignity of falling on his backside while trying to track his opponent.
While much of Templeton's play was good, Hateley was poor and was often left exposed against the winger, who had support from forward-thinking full-back Ryan McGowan.
McCall added: "You've got to give Hearts full credit, the players and management staff for coming out and putting on a performance like that.
"But with the squad they've got - I thought Taouil and Templeton were excellent today - it's not a disgrace.
"We probably had two or three lads today who have probably had as poor a game as they've had for Motherwell since I've been here but I can't be over-critical of them. They've been excellent up until now.
"We just weren't good enough on today's performance and the best team won."
McCall admitted suspended midfielder Steve Jennings' absence had an impact.
"We probably did miss him, but that's nothing against Stephen Hughes," McCall said.
"Just as a group, we didn't perform as well as we have been doing."
McCall is eager for a response against Dunfermline next week.
He added: "It's not doom and gloom. We've just got to look to Wednesday and make sure we can bounce back."
Hearts' media blackout continued.
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