Motherwell are not in the Betfred Cup semis to make up numbers, says boss Stephen Robinson

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson at full-time (SNS Group / Ross Parker)

MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson warned they were not in the Betfred Cup last four to make up the numbers after sweeping Aberdeen aside at Fir Park.

Louis Moult was credited with two goals and Peter Hartley netted another as Motherwell beat last season’s losing finalists 3-0 to set up a semi-final against Rangers.

Celtic will face Hibernian in the other Hampden tie next month but Robinson’s side have gone five matches unbeaten and sent out a message with a comprehensive win.

Robinson said: “There’s four teams in the semi-final and they are all decent teams, obviously. Listen, we don’t fear anybody at this moment in time. We will go and enjoy the day but we are certainly not going to make the numbers up.”

Joe Lewis fumbled the first two goals over his line inside 19 minutes before Moult smashed a late third inside his near post as the striker showed why Aberdeen tried to land him in the summer.

Goal hero Louis Moult (SNS Group / Rob Casey)

Robinson said: “The third goal epitomised everything about us. It was a ball down the channel and he never gave up on it. Moulty chased and the class of his finish showed when he got there.

“Ryan Bowman set the tone in the first minute when he chased down the kick-off and I don’t think we stopped chasing all night.”

Dons boss Derek McInnes admitted Moult was a class apart and refused to blame his goalkeeper.

“The better team won,” he said. “The first goal came from nothing, we should have dealt with it a lot better and it was a mistake from Joe. We are not going to criticise too much because he has been outstanding since he came here.

“I said last week he has been flawless. He could maybe do better at one or two of the goals but the intent and aggression from Motherwell was far greater than ours, to be honest.”

McInnes added: “Motherwell will do very well this season and they had the best player on the park. Moult is on the move, he spooks defenders and his work-rate and aggression sets the tone. He was the best player on the park by a long way.

“He plays like that every week, that’s why I wanted to sign him. We couldn’t afford him. Motherwell did well to hold on to him. Someone will take him in January, I’m sure. He’s a very good player.”