Motherwell crash out of the Scottish Cup in dramatic St Mirren clash - here is what we learned

Motherwell's Scottish Cup dream came to an end in a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat to St Mirren.

The Steelmen had clawed back a 4-1 deficit but Liam Donnelly, Tony Watt and Jermaine Hylton failed to find the net in the pressure penalties as the Buddies went through 3-2 on spot kicks.

Goals galore

Despite missing key man Chris Long up front, two January signing showed the can pose problems for Premiership defenders.

Tony Watt better his first goal for the club as the Coatbridge striker staked a claim for a starting spot on derby day.

Newcastle loanee Rolando Aaron’s also got on the scoresheet as his low shot evaded everyone in the box.

With two of the attacking three netting, could this be the boost Motherwell were looking following the exit of Devante Cole and James Scott.

Tony Watt cuts the deficit to 4-2 (SNS Group)

Horror show

Defensive duo Peter Hartley and Bevis Mugabi were caught on the hop in the opening half as the Buddies ran riot.

With Ugandan international Mugabi hooked before half-time and skipper Hartley putting the ball in his own net before being replaced at the break it was a tough night for the defensive duo.

They think it’s Gall over

A notable absentee was key defender Declan Gallagher as he missed the clash due to illness.

His defensive steel and support offered by the Scotland cap to the rest of the back line was clearly missing as the Saints marched through the Lanarkshire side four times in the opening period.

Sam Foley sees his effort rebound in off Motherwell Peter Hartley (SNS Group)

Fighting spirit

There were some brave changes by boss Stephen Robinson including bringing on Mark O’Hara and replacing defensive-minded Liam Grimshaw with flying winger Jermaine Hylton.

His players came within a Hylton shoot-our miss of the next round - a harsh result for a player who boosted the threat of the home side.

The second half showing spared the blushes of Motherwell in dramatic fashion.

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson shows his frustration during a William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round replay (SNS Group)

Season defining

With Motherwell interest in cup competitions over for another year the focus turns to cementing third spot in the league.

The Steelmen are without a win in their last five league games and have been leapfrogged by Aberdeen in third spot.

With Livingston and Hibs now closing the gap a win on Lanarkshire Derby Day is now a must if Stephen Robinson hopes to reclaim third in the table