Motherwell may have missed a "massive opportunity" to get to another cup semi-final, and even a final, after being knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Aberdeen.
Manager Jens Berthel Askou made six changes to his starting line-up for the trip to Pittodrie, which included swapping goalkeeper Calum Ward for back up Matty Connelly.
Oscar Priestman was shown a red card after just three minutes when he slipped and wiped out Aberdeen's Lyall Cameron and Motherwell found themselves a goal down when Kevin Nisbet scored from the resulting free-kick.
The numbers were levelled when Dennis Geiger was sent off for the hosts midway through the first half but not long after the start of the second period, Motherwell were reduced to nine after Liam Gordon was red carded.
Askou's side went on to lose the game 2-0 and former Hibs and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan was surprised by the manager's team selection.
"I was expecting to see the strongest Motherwell team last night," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"Changing the goalkeeper does have an impact on the game and he does play it short for the sending off, but Callum Ward has been in there and been excellent of late.
"So, it was a huge opportunity if they overcame Aberdeen, you're then looking at Dunfermline, which you would fancy. Motherwell would have been strong favourites and then you're back at Hampden again and anything is possible, especially because they've been playing so well.
"It's absolutely a chance missed and I think there will be a lot of Motherwell fans really disappointed.
"You look back at that League Cup semi-final against St Mirren, Motherwell were heavy favourites and St Mirren did a job on them. St Mirren obviously deserved it on the day.
"Full focus now on the league but that was a huge opportunity for Motherwell last night, there's no getting away from it."