Motherwell U20s slumped to a 3-1 defeat away to Hibs in the Development League this afternoon.
And for manager Stephen Craigan, it was a disappointing showing from his side who have performed at such a high level so far this season.
Speaking to MFC TV after the full-time whistle, Craigan admitted his frustration with his sides performance.
He said: “I thought we were really poor and that may be harsh and I don’t like being overly critical of young players because they’re trying to make their way in the game and try to get a pathway of where to go.
[pullquote]I thought we were really poor and that may be harsh and I don’t like being overly critical of young players.[/pullquote]
“All round today – decision making on the ball, passing at times, we looked a little lost.”
He added: “It’s strange because we trained really well on Saturday and really well on Monday and I was really looking forward to the game.
“We didn’t help ourselves, we gave away poor goals.”
Played at the Oriam at Heriott-Watt University, the artificial, indoor surface did not play a part in the performance, insisted Craigan.
He said: “I wouldn’t think the surface would play a part – it’s a wonderful surface to play on.
[pullquote]We have to keep working, we have to keep preaching what we have been doing over the last 17-18 months and that doesn’t change with one performance.[/pullquote]
“Hibs don’t train here but they play their home games here so it’s a new surface to them too.”
Up next for the U20s is Dundee United at home, and the U20s coach knows that the hard work must go on to bounce back to form.
He said: “We have to keep working, we have to keep preaching what we have been doing over the last 17-18 months and that doesn’t change with one performance.
“It’s just trying to analyse it and I’ll need to speak with them about how they felt and what went through their minds.
“But there’s no excuses, we were up against a Hibs side that I thought we were more than capable of beating.”