Motherwell were dealt a shattering blow to their hopes of reaching the Europa League main draw as they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Steaua Bucharest in Romania.

An own goal from Stephen Craigan was followed by further goals from Banel Nicolita and Bogdan Stancu, and Jim Gannon's visitors could not respond.

On-loan Everton goalkeeper John Ruddy and former Northampton midfielder Giles Coke both made their debuts but Motherwell were slow to start and their evening went from bad to worse.

The opener arrived after 31 minutes when Craigan found the back of his own net following Nicolita's corner - and it should have been 2-0 two minutes later when Steaua were awarded a penalty after Ross Forbes fouled Romeo Surdu, but Ruddy saved Dorin Goian's power penalty.

Just as it looked as though Motherwell would survive at 1-0 down until the break, they conceded in the 45th minute as Nicolita provided the low finish past Ruddy after Rafal Grzelak's pass.

Steaua went 3-0 clear in the 61st minute when Grzelak's cross from the left was headed in by Stancu and there was no way back for the visitors.