Motherwell coach Stuart Kettlewell blasted his young side after they were held to a 2-2 Reserve League draw by derby rivals Hamilton Accies at K-Park.
Ellis Brown gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes, but a double from Corey O'Donnell on his return from injury had the Steelmen 2-1 ahead at the interval.
However, a foul by Ali Gould led to Ben Black netting a penalty equaliser in 57 minutes to ensure a share of the spoils.
Motherwell coach Stuart Kettlewell told the club website: "There were short spells in the game where I felt we were OK, but if I'm being brutally honest I think we have to be better throughout the 90 minutes.
"We showed decent character to come back when we were one goal down and get our noses in front, but I think we have to better in the second half, and with our game-management, what we do with the ball, and being brave enough to use it and be creative.
"I don't think there was enough of those spells in the second half.
"We are a young side, there are no out-and-out first-team players, as such, but those are the tools that young players have to take with them for the manager to consider them and look at them.
"Their learning curve has to be on the pitch. Can they play 90 minutes. Are you durable enough to play that 90 minutes, and can you affect the game in your position.
"But itwas great to see Corey getting his two goals, his finishes were great."
Accies boss Rankin said: "I'm delighted with the kids, it's about giving them an opportunity and a platform to go and play.
"The young boys give you that energy, that enthusiasm, but they have a wee bit of quality there as well, and it's about gaining that experience.
"It's giving them a platform to play against men that are more experienced and give them a better physical challenge.
"The result is getting boys through, getting minutes under their belt. That's the most important thing in a reserve team.
"I felt their attitude and their application was good, so I was delighted with that."
Meanwhile, Hamilton Accies released midfielder Regan Thomson earlier today, without the former Newcastle kid kicking a ball, and Rankin said: "Regan came in, he signed but found himself injured over a period of time and it just didn't work out, so it was best for both that we went our separate ways, let him move on and try to develop his career."
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