Motherwell boss upbeat after Dundee United loss as he's left delighted with 'excellent' players despite defeat

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander says his side should have taken something from their narrow 1-0 loss to Dundee United - and European hopes are still alive.

Dylan Levitt's goal in the first half extended the Steelmen's winless Premiership run away from home, their last victory on the road coming against Aberdeen in November.

Overall, they've won just once in 15 league matches and have conceded first in 16 of their last 18 matches across all competitions.

But they came close to something in this affair with Ross Tierney and Kaiyne Woolery both cracking the woodwork in the first half.

They sit sixth and just a point off fifth-placed Ross County who occupy the final European position, while United are now four points ahead in fourth.

The 50-year-old said: "I thought we deserved something from the game, without a shadow of a doubt. We were unfortunate to go a goal down from nothing but the focus and the discipline of the players was excellent.

“We didn't become disjointed and chase an equaliser too quickly. We were controlled and in the second half we had some great chances to score.

“We also had a couple of great chances to score before they got the opener. I was delighted with the players. They took on board what we were trying to do.

“The fine margins went against us but I can't ask anymore from the players. I thought they were excellent. I thought the players did the best they could and that's all we can ask for if we are going to get beat.

"If we get beat in a game, we stay together. We were just unlucky."

A huge game away at Ross County now awaits Motherwell next weekend and the former Scotland international says a 'great' chance is still there for his players to take.

Alexander added: “Each game is tough but we