Gutted Motherwell manager Graham Alexander rues ‘offside’ Hibs goal

Alexander, whose side fought back from 2-0 down with 10 minutes to play to force extra time but ultimately lost 4-2 in a penalty shootout, felt that Jackson Irvine’s strike which put Hibs 2-0 up should have been disallowed.

“Their second goal was offside,” he said. “I've only seen it afterwards, not at the time.

“But it's offside. What can you do?

“I'm gutted for everyone because I thought the players were magnificent.

“We came with a game plan to frustrate at first which worked really well. Hibs didn't have a shot on target in the first half.

“We took a step back at half-time for some reason. We allowed them easy possession in our half and we were punished for it, sorely with a couple of goals.

“But the reaction from that point was absolutely amazing. The players showed character to get on the ball, press from the front and show what a quality team we can be.

“To come back against a fantastic team like Hibs away from home in such a pressure game, to get to 2-2, was incredible.

“I thought there was only one winner at that point but we just couldn't get that goal before penalties.

“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.

“I do regret the way we started the second half, we didn't put pressure on them. We know we can defend the first goal better."