A header from Dylan Mackin wasn’t enough for the U20s as they lost 3-1 away to Hibs earlier today.
A brace from Hibs midfielder Ruari Paton either side of the break and a long-range effort from Ben Stirling secured all three points for the Hibs youngsters.
Despite the disappointing result, the game was level at the break and the Steelmen looked to be in control of the match, with Tom Fry in particular dictating play.
Craigan’s side enjoyed more of the ball but couldn’t make their possession count, as they failed to create too many clear-cut chances in the opening 20 minutes.
And eventually, they were punished, as Ruari Paton opened the scoring against the run of play.
Full-back Kane O’Connor put in a cross that didn’t look to be anywhere near the danger area – with PJ Morrison going down to gather it.
Unfortunately for the youngster, he couldn’t hold it and it ricocheted off of his palms and into the path of Paton who was on hand to poke it into the gaping net.
But the response was encouraging from the ‘Well, who bounced back both in terms of possession and then eventually, on the scoreline too.
On the half-hoar mark, Dylan Mackin rose up to head beyond Hibs stopper Patrick Martin from a corner.
And again, the Steelmen dominated proceedings and limited Hibs opportunities.
After the break though, it was a different story.
It took the hosts just 50 seconds to restore their lead, and it was Ruari Paton again.
Some clever work down the right-hand side got in behind the Motherwell defence and Watson cut it back to Paton from the by-line for another simple finish for the trialist.
From then on, the ‘Well were hard done by through some questionable decisions – in particular when Luke Watt lofted the ball over the defence looking for substitute Jake Hastie.
The linesman’s flag halted Hastie from a clear one-on-one opportunity despite the attacker being well onside.
And eventually, Craigan’s side were punished even more, as Ben Stirling struck a low, hard strike into the bottom corner from outside the box to put the game to bed.
It was a frustrating day for the U20s, whose unbeaten run in the league came to an end. Next up, they host Dundee United on Tuesday September 13.