Motherwell missed a twice taken penalty as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against KS Flamurtari in their Europa League clash. John Sutton had a penalty strike disallowed after scoring his first attempt but missed a second effort after Austrian referee Fritz Stuchlik ordered a retake because a home player had encroached.

Well boss Jim Gannon felt his side had been victims of a glaring injustice.

"The explanation the referee gave our players was that one of their players had encroached," Gannon said.

"None of our players had encroached. So the referee needs to have a look at the rules."

Gannon felt the decision was the turning point in the game after his side started comfortably."

"We all felt the change in atmosphere after the decision and it seemed to harden their players and their focus," Gannon said. "But ultimately it was the goal that really lifted the crowd."

Gannon also pointed to Motherwell's travel plans and the 38C heat - Stuchlik stopped the game for two minutes in each half to allow the players to drink water.

The Steelmen squad only arrived in Albania late on Wednesday night and their three-hour bus journey from Tirana ended just two hours before kick-off.

"It was difficult circumstances and preparations," Gannon said.

"I was pleased with the physical effort but I think we could have played better.

"The travel and temperature were difficult but it was a great experience for our players.

"We did our homework, we knew they would be young, dynamic and play a very controlled game and show good qualities."