Dundee’s Scottish Cup dream is over for another season after this bitterly disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Motherwell.
Dark Blues boss Neil McCann had spoken of the importance of this competition to the club’s season but his side could have few complaints about the final result.
Dundee did have a succession of chances but were wasteful in front of goal with the final whistle greeted with a chorus of boos from the home support.
McCann’s men have to dust themselves down quickly with a vital league game at Kilmarnock on Tuesday night looming large.
There was no place in the Dundee squad for new signing, former England international Steven Caulker, but another recent addition Genseric Kusunga was handed his debut in a back three.
This was a pulsating cup tie from the first whistle with challenges flying in – both legal and otherwise.
However, the crucial breakthrough was made by the Steelmen in the 30th minute when Craig Tanner hit a speculative half volley from 20 yards that Dark Blues keeper Elliott Parish’s allowed to squirm through his hands and into the back of the net.
Dundee made a good start to the second half but conceded again in the 55th minute through a Kevin Holt own goal just seconds after Motherwell keeper Trevor Carson had produced a stunning save from a Sofien Moussa shot.
After that the Dark Blues huffed and puffed but the Steelmen comfortably saw out the game to progress to the quarter-finals.
For full report, reaction and analysis, see Monday’s Courier.
