Motherwell 1 Rangers 2: How the Steelmen players rated after running Gers close in semi-final

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Motherwell crashed out of the Premier Sports Cup after a valiant attempt to knock out the defending champions at Hampden.

It was a backs-to-the-wall display in the second half after taking a first half lead through Andy Halliday, but they couldn't stop the Philippe Clement's men from mounting a comeback after the break, crushing fans' dreams of a return to the national stadium next month to face Celtic.

The Steelmen made two changes from the midweek win over Dundee United with the injured Stephen O'Donnell ruled out and Tom Sparrow dropping to the bench. Andy Halliday came in alongside Liam Gordon, who returned to the squad as his two-game suspension only applies to league matches.

Here's how the Steelmen rated:

ASTON OXBOROUGH - 7

Spilled an early strike from Vaclav Cerny in the opening minute, but redeemed himself with a great stop to deny Connor Barron in the first half. Helpless to stop Dessers' equaliser. Made a fine stop to touch a Jefte strike onto the post in the second half. Also denied Cerny with a stunning stop down to his right. But for him, Rangers might have enjoyed a more handsome result.

MARVIN KALETA - 6

Brilliant defending in second half to match Cerny for pace and stand up well to deny him a chance in the box. Lung-busting run down the right early in the second half didn't get the rewards it deserved as Maswanhise lost possession. Replaced by Shane Blaney after picking up an injury.

DAN CASEY - 7

The hero from Motherwell's last win over Rangers put in a solid display. A superb last-ditch tackle midway through the second half to deny Nedim Bajrami a certain goal before he eventually found a way through. Celebrated th block like a goal.

LIAM GORDON - 6

The two-time silverware winner with St Johnston came back in from suspension to add some much-needed experience to the backline. Decent display but caught between two men at the first Rangers goal.

KOFI BALMER - 6

Some well-timed tackles in the box to frustrate Cerny. Should have done better with a weak haeder early in the second half. Booked in the first half and walked the tightrope well enough. Didn't get many opportunities to use his long-throw weapon.

Motherwell's Andy Halliday scores their side's first goal of the game

STEVE SEDDON - 7

Provided a terrific assist for Halliday's opener and caused more problems down the left. Booked for a foul on Barron early in the second half. Replaced by Sparrow after 56 minutes.

EWAN WILSON - 6

Had a difficult start in the first half, but found some powerful running out from the back to help his side out of trouble. Put in a shift.

ANDY HALLIDAY - 8

A brilliant first-time finish on the stretch to break the deadlock. Great desire to get on the end of Seddon's cross. Lack of celebration might not go down well but those in claret and amber will forgive it. Solid display in the middle of the park to boot.

It was a proud day for Lennon Miller as he captained his side

LENNON MILLER - 8

The 18-year-old's 54th appearance in calet and amber, showed incredible composoure to lead his side in such a huge game. Always cool and composed in possession, getting his foot into make vital interceptions as well, but didn't get to impact the game as much as he would have liked.

TAWANDA MASWANHISE - 6

A constant nuisance. Made a great run that sparked the Steelmen's opener. Could have done better with a couple of sights at goal. Had a strong game and surprisingly subbed in 63 minutes for Robinson.

APOSTOLOS STAMATELOPOULOS - 5

Tough shift up top but had some neat touches to keep playing moving when Motherwell got into the opposition half. Replaced by Tavares after 63 minutes.

Motherwell's Apostolos Stamatelopoulos tussles for possession with Rangers' Connor Barron (Image: SNS Group)

SUBSTITUTES

TOM SPARROW - 4

Came on for Seddon after 56 minutes. Had a big chance in 70th minute but could only muster a weak effort under pressure.

ZACK ROBINSON - 3

Final ball could have been better in attacking areas when he came on to replace Maswanhise.

JAIR TAVERES - 4

Good pass to tee-up Sparrow for an effort but had little chance to make an impact.

SHANE BLANEY - 3

Replaced the injured Kaleta after 75 minutes and had little impact.

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