Angry Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell said his 10-man side 'spiralled out of control' at Livingston, as the Steelmen suffered a fourth successive defeat in the Scottish Premiership.

The Fir Park side had started the campaign in fine form, taking 10 points from 12 from their first four games, but the wheels have come off their strong start with impressive showings against St Mirren, Rangers and Celtic yielding no reward.

Saturday at the Toni Macaroni Arena, however, was completely different, as Kettlewell's men struggled after teenager Lennon Miller was sent off in first-half stoppage time and the Lions took advantage.

And Kettlewell says he saw a side to his squad he hasn't seen before as they capitulated in the second half.

He said: "There was nothing in the game before [the red card] and that's the bit that really frustrates me.

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell during the defeat to Livingston "But it also seemed to be the catalyst for a real degree of naivety from our point of view.

"The decision making wasn't good enough, we conceded one penalty and could have conceded another.

"It all just spiralled out of control and I have never seen that since being here.

It irks me and it begins to anger me, as we have had a lot of plaudits for being a good side.

"We are always well organised but in that second half, it all just spiralled.

Livingston's Sean Kelly scores a penalty past brother Liam to make it 2-0 "I take responsibility for that but I have never seen it from the players before.

"Kettlewell defended 17-year-old Miller after his sending off.

The Wishaw starlet, who has been a regular first team player this term, was sent off after accidentally clipping the heels of Livingston's Dan MacKay as he bore in on goal.

More sports news from across Lanarkshire Ryan One make Sheffield move EK boss: Ex-Gers youth 'really gifted' Diamonds will 'attack the Championship' Karate kids medal at Youth Cup But Kettlewell said: "I shelter Lennon.

He's 17 and a special talent.

"He's played every minute of our league campaign and nobody else his age is doing that.

"Lennon has blown people away with his performances, but, playing in that position, he will be exposed to those situations and that's on me.

Motherwell's Lennon Miller (second right) is shown a red card "I played in the same role in my career and got 14 reds, so he'll be fine with one.

I take responsibility for the position he was in and he just needs to keep doing what he has been doing.

"Lennon has been outstanding and nobody at Motherwell blames him for that red card.

"The Steelmen now head into the international break and will prepare for their visit to St Johnstone on October 21.

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