Robinson: Players surpass great expectations

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson believes his players have completely exceeded expectations by reaching a second cup final this season.

A Curtis Main double and a Ryan Bowman strike inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Aberdeen in Saturday’s one-sided Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.

Robinson said: “I thought we were superb from start to finish.

“It was always going to be a tight game and we settled down after getting the first goal.

“When we went 2-0 up, I didn’t think we were going to lose.

“I’m delighted for the boys as they are a super bunch. I’m so proud of every one of them.

“We have a lot of energy in the team and I couldn’t have asked for more.

“They gave me everything and they got their rewards.

“Reaching two cup finals is a great achievement. Our club is run by the fans, we don’t have a big benefactor.

“We don’t have millions of pounds, so my budget dictates that I’m getting judged on staying in the division. To achieve two finals in one season is terrific credit to everyone at the football club.”

Robinson admitted he was surprised by the below-par showing from the Dons.

He said: “Aberdeen are a very good side and Derek McInnes has got some very good individuals.

“Even at 2-0 they could have got back in the game and they had the luxury of bringing on players such as Gary Mackay-Steven and Niall McGinn.

“I was always worried but our defence was terrific.

“In attack, Curtis Main and Ryan Bowman epitomised everything about us. If I was a defender I wouldn’t fancy playing against them.”