Motherwell Pride in defeat

Motherwell tasted a combination of bitter defeat and pride in a fantastic effort at Hampden Park. We played well, a definite improvement in our last two losing finals, but could have few complaints about losing to a better team.

The long wait of 26 years will inevitably tick over to 27 and though a good Scottish Cup run is not impossible, it will likely be a wait until our next return to Hampden. It is galling to look at the list of clubs who have won trophies – some of them two or three – in that time, while few match our consistency.

Consolation is given by the obvious connection Stephen Robinson has developed with his squad, the club and the fans in the community. It will have to do for now.

Derek Wilson