Home is where hurt is for gutted boss Ross
JACK ROSS last night admitted he was hurt by his players’ performance after St Mirren saw their hopes of Irn-Bru Cup glory crash and burn against Raith Rovers.
And he has warned he won’t accept a repeat of the below-par display following the surprise defeat.
The Saints looked on course to books their place in the quarterfinal when Gavin Reilly fired them ahead in the 63rd minute.
But after dominating the match, the wheels suddenly and inexplicably fell off the Buddies bandwagon.
Lewis Vaughan brought the Fifers level a minute later.
And then the home support were stunned when Greig Spence put Raith in front before Bobby Barr clinched the win that put the visitors into the last eight.
Afterwards, Saints gaffer Ross made no attempt to disguise his disappointment over the result.
He said: “For the first hour of the game there was only one team in it without playing particularly well. We were a bit flat and a bit subdued.
“But in terms of possession, we were the dominant team and when we score you would expect us to push on.
“But the last half hour was not acceptable in terms of how we defend and ultimately you lose the game.
“People can say what they like about the competition. The competition is irrelevant, it’s about winning football tball matches at your own stadium. adium. I am not going to pretend etend I am not disappointed d because I am
“We have a proud record here. It hurtsrts me and it should hurt the players too.”
Ross admitmitted he was pererplexed by y how easily y his team surrendered their lead and admitted he was concerned at the lapses by his backline.
He went on: “We have had an issue with defending properly all season and the buck for that stops with me.
“But individually players have to have accountability as well.
“We didn’t have full concentration after we scored the first goal and that is always an important period.
“The quick equaliser gave them a little bit of impetus but all three goals were soft and avoidable.
“We cannot continue to defend in that way and expect to win football matches and achieve our goals this season. So, as a manager, it is up to me to continue to work to eradicate these issues.”
SAINTS started the game without seven first-team regulars as a result of injury and suspension, including goals talisman Lewis Morgan.
But Ross is hoping to be able to pick from a full squad for next Saturday’s championship clash against in-form Dumbarton.
The Sons sit in mid-table after making a solid start to their league campaign.
And Ross knows his side will have to get back to winning ways to keep their promotion bid on track after the international break.
He said: “We had seven players unavailable today for a variety of reasons but some of them will be available for the Dumbarton match.
“We haven’t had the luxury of being able to pick from a full squad this season so it would be nice to do so.
“Dumbarton are playing well so we know we will have to be on our game for the whole match, not just 60 minutes.”