Motherwell manager Graham Alexander can take defeat - but he can't accept his players downing their heads with minutes on the clock.
The Fir Park side are still waiting for their first league win of 2022 after a 2-0 defeat on the road at Dundee United.
Dylan Levitt's wonderful strike in the first half put United ahead before former striker Tony Watt - who left Lanarkshire last month - scored his first goal in Tangerine since leaving 'Well.
Alexander's men drop to fifth in the table, having not won a Premiership game since before the winter break. They take on Aberdeen in Scottish Cup fifth round action on Saturday.
'Well boss Alexander said: "It was a case of missed chances costing us at crucial times, definitely. We had some brilliant chances in the first half before they scored. But we were not clinical enough.
"At the minute, away from home, we are not getting that first goal and we are not keeping clean sheets and that's not a great recipe for winning games."
What concerned Alexander more about the defeat to Dundee United was his side's attitude. The Fir Park boss believes his players faded out of the second half.
He told club media: "I've been in the game a long time. I know what happens when you are clinical enough at both ends. That's not where we are at the minute.
"I thought the game petered out as our heads went down. That's not the response I expect from my players. They have shown that many times before.
"That hurts me more than anything as it leaves a sour taste. I always want to support and be with my players if they give all and commit to everything.
"I think we looked like we felt sorry for ourselves with about 20 minutes to go. Professional football will crush you if you feel sorry for yourself."
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
