Jim Gannon refused to be too critical of his young Motherwell side after they slipped out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup courtesy of a 3-0 defeat at St Mirren.

Goals from Michael Higdon and Jack Ross put the hosts in control before Stephen Craigan put through his own net late on.

The defeat was only Motherwell's second of the domestic season and their first away loss since Gannon took over at Fir Park.

"St Mirren were stronger in most departments," Gannon said. "As they got the goals, they grew in confidence. They played really well.

"I'm not going to be too hard on the lads, they have come a long way in the last three or four months. It was just a bad night at the office.

"All credit to St Mirren, they deserve to be in the hat and good luck to them in the next round."