Motherwell boss: Sligo Rovers clash do-or-die but first leg criticism over the top

Graham Alexander knows it's all or nothing for his Motherwell side tonight in their Europa Conference League qualifier with Sligo Rovers, but believes some of the criticism his side faced for their first leg display was over the top.

The Steelmen are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit at a sold-out Showgrounds in the second round second leg tie after Bevis Mugabi's early error at Fir Park gifted Aiden Keena the only goal of the game.

Fans weren't happy with the performance but Alexander feels some of the reaction isn't merited and fully believes his side will come good in Ireland to book their place in the third qualifying round.

He told Motherwell's media team: "We’re determined to go through and we know the task in front of us.

"We’re 1-0 down from the first leg but we know there are things we can do slightly better which is a real positive for us.

"We know we have the players to do it but we have to overcome an opponent that’s got a 1-0 lead. We’ll give it our best shot.

"We knew the tie would be over two legs and we’re at the halfway stage. We’re well in the game but tomorrow is do-or-die for us.

"We have to go out and win, which is quite clear, but I like clarity and I think my players like clarity."

On last week, he added: "I think you can see from the way we approached the game last week that we created a lot of chances and had a lot of efforts at goal.

"Their goalkeeper and centre-backs played very well to stop us from scoring. We’re going to have to test them again.

"When we analysed the game last week, people said we gave a sloppy goal away and I’d agree with that. If you said we were a bit loose in front of goal, I’d agree with that.

"But all the other stuff I didn’t really agree with."

The Steelmen backed