Alexander has no regrets after a gallant fight

Motherwell boss Graham Alexander had no regrets about the way his side exited the Scottish Cup.

Some supporters of the Steelmen might wonder if their favourites should have adopted a more attacking approach earlier in the game against Hibs.

They got two goals that took the tie into extra-time after pushing further forward in the last 10 minutes.

Alexander said: “I don’t regret that we didn’t show more intent earlier. We’ve come to a team like Hibs and it went to 120 minutes.

“We didn’t want to chase the game early on as we’ve lost players in certain areas, so had to change the way we play.

“Between their three forwards, they have a fantastic goal record but they didn’t have a shot on target in the first half.

“I regret the way we started the second half, we didn’t put pressure on them. We know we can defend the first goal better. But Hibs have qualified for Europe and in two semi-finals. Over the piece, we showed we’re a very good team.

“Their second goal was offside. I only saw it afterwards, not at the time. But it’s offside. What can you do?” Alexander revealed that Tony Watt – scorer of the late equaliser – surprised him by playing. He went on: “Tony was a gamble for us because he’s had an injury. If it was a league game we wouldn’t have done it because we’re safe now.

“He wanted to play, which was a surprise as I didn’t expect to have him back. He came on and made a big difference for us.”

Hibs manager Jack Ross now has time to plan for third time lucky in a semifinal. He believes his players have the mentality to forget losing to Hearts and St Johnstone at Hampden earlier in the season.

“We’ve grown as the season has gone at handling bigger games and pressure,” he said. “I know we were 2-0 up this time and got pegged back, but that can happen in games.

“The semi-finals have been strange occasions. It was very fine margins against Hearts and first half against St Johnstone we were excellent, second half we were dreadful.

“When you’ve had the pain of losing these last two semi-finals, we want to make sure we have the elation of getting through.”

Graham Alexander shows his anguish