Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly believes a red card ‘ruined’ their Scottish Cup chances - but they must forget about it in their bid for a top four spot and European football.
The Steelmen were down to 10 men inside 60 seconds of their 2-1 Scottish Cup quarter-final loss against Hibs.
Bevis Mugabi launched into a tackle on Josh Doig and referee Willie Collum showed no hesitation to display a red card, although he only showed a yellow to teammate Jordan Roberts for a similar offence.
Elias Melkersen pounced with a Hibs double on his first start for the club and Joe Efford’s reply proved futile as defeat ultimately beckoned for Motherwell.
Fir Park manager Graham Alexander will prepare his team for a Premiership trip to St Johnstone this weekend, having not won a league game in 2022.
Kelly is gutted to be out the cup and admits the red card for Mugabi left them swimming against the tide from minute one, in a game where he wasn’t too busy.
He said: “I am really disappointed to be out of the cup but we gave it our very best. The game turns on its head and (the red card) ruins it for everyone, well, not for Hibs as it makes easier for them to go through.
“It’s not something we can plan for. I think we did look organised and we did look structured. The only problem was trying to create opportunities when we were on the counter.
“Hibs are really comfortable in possession and in passing the ball but we managed to get a few chances. We couldn’t get that second goal so it is what it is.
“I’ve not had a lot to do. We concede two goals which maybe could have been prevented. But I think we were in the game. We might have won with 11 men on the pitch. We tried our best but we will just have to get over it.”
Motherwell haven’t won a league match since Boxing Day and victory over struggling St Johnstone is needed to provide their top six push a boost.
They may lie eighth in the table, but Motherwell are only one point off Hibs in fourth ahead of their trip to Perth.
Kelly added: “We can’t do anything about what’s been. We now have three massive games and we need to have a good bit of desire in us to get where we want to get to.
“First of all, we want to secure the top six. Then we want to go and get fourth. We will aim as high as we can and we will be realistic, and I think fourth is very realistic.
“We can be right in amongst it - we are right in amongst it. From Hibs to Aberdeen, we have all done roughly the same. It’s been the same for everybody.
“It’s exciting to be part of. There’s no point moaning about the games previously and I am already looking forward to Saturday’s match.”
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