We created less in play-off romp
Lionel Ainswor th was part of a 6-1 aggregate play- off win the last time Motherwell faced Rangers.
But the winger insists they created fewer chances over two legs a year ago than they did in yesterday’s 2- 0 Betfred Cup defeat.
Mark McGhee’s side were left to rue their squandered opportunities at Fir Park.
Ainsworth had an effort cleared off the line early on whi le Scott McDonald, Chris Cadden, Marvin Johnson and Louis Moult also missed good chances.
They were eventually beaten 2- 0 thanks to goals from James Tavernier and Martyn Waghorn.
And Ainsworth said: “We went in despondent at half- time because of the chances we’d made.
“On another day they go in and we’re a goal or two up at the break.
“But you need to take those chances. Even in the second half Louis had a great header wide.
“I suppose you’d rather be in a position to miss than not be there at all.
“But we created more chances today than in the play-off tie against Rangers – and we scored six then.
“We knew we had to do a defensive job on Rangers but in the second half we gave them too much respect.
“They’re l ike the Red Arrows at times – they’re always moving and it’s not easy against them.”
Wel l gaf fer McGhee wasn’t too disheartened by the result and is more concerned that striker Moult will miss the first three league games due to groin surgery.
McGhee also wants winger Johnson to get more protection after a James Tavernier tackle upset him near the end.
He said: “Moult will have minor surgery. He’ll miss the first three games.
“Marvin was getting no protection last season. I thought the challenge was a little late and I keep waiting on him not getting up from one of those tackles.
“He’s a brilliant lad who doesn’t complain too much. That’s all I was doing.”