Dundee 1-0 Motherwell: 'I want and expect more from all my players,' says Alexander after last-16 defeat
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Lee Ashcroft's late header gave Dundee a deserved win
Motherwell manager Graham Alexander "wants and expects more" from his players after they fell out the Scottish League Cup at the last-16 stage to Dundee.
Connor Shields struck the bar in the first half, but Lee Ashcroft's header ensured the hosts' progression against an away side that rarely threatened.
The Fir Park club are now without a win in three games.
"I'm disappointed in the way we lost it," Alexander said.
"I felt we had a lot more to contribute on and off the ball - we should've, we didn't and we have to fix that.
"It's a knock back for us because I thought we were making good progress. We have to work exceptionally hard to make sure we improve quickly."
James McPake's men will find out their quarter-final opponents on Sunday.
The Dundee boss was expecting a response from his players after last week's humbling at Celtic Park, and they began brightly with Paul McMullan causing problems.
Full-back Christie Elliot was also troubling Motherwell's defence, linking up well with McMullan who was proving to be a handful for Jake Carroll.
Former Rangers and Hibernian striker Cummings had an excellent chance to open the scoring for the home side when McMullan sent him through, only for Kelly to save low to his left-hand side.
The Motherwell keeper was once again called into action when denying Elliot from a similar position inside the box.
Motherwell also had opportunities in the first half with the best of those falling to Shields.
Ashcroft was caught napping on the ball by Steven Lawless, who raced through on goal before slipping the ball into the path of the unmarked Shields, but he smashed his shot off the crossbar when finding the back of the net looked the easier option.
The home side came out the traps smartly in the second period and Jordan McGhee was denied an opener by Kelly, and the visiting keeper was again at full stretch to halt a fine Charlie Adam strike from 25 yards.
At the other end, Adam Ledzgins had to be sharp to stop Shields from close range as the play swung from end to end.
Dundee thought they had taken the lead just before the hour mark when Cummings turned in a Luke McCowan cross, only for the flag to be raised for offside.
But the breakthrough was made with what proved to be the winner with just 12 minutes left when McMullan's corner was met by Ashcroft who jumped above the Motherwell defence to head home from close range.
Man of the match - Jordan McGhee
Both keepers made crucial stops and match-winner Ashcroft played a major part in keeping the home goal intact but McGhee was outstanding in his work-rate and unlucky not to score himself
What did they say?
Dundee manager James McPake: "It was a tough game like we knew it would be. It's a great result. There was some great play throughout the game.
"Jordan McGhee was outstanding again and we know Lee Ashcroft is a threat. The thing that made me proud was the last seven or eight minutes when we stood firm. We showed character and resilience after a heavy defeat last week."
Motherwell manager Graham Alexander: "From our perspective we weren't good enough to win the game.
"We have to get the players up to speed in these games. I see much better performances in training than I did today."
What's next?
League action resumes next weekend as Motherwell travel to Livingston on Saturday (15:00 BST) and Dundee host Hibernian the following day (12:00).