Housty hits out as Blair wins it
Alloa ................................................... 1 Hibs .................................................... 0
McInnes
On- loan Celtic kid Michael Duf fy’s controversial strike just before the break was enough to give the part-timers victory.
Hibs will have no chance of pipping rivals Bairns – who are now six points ahead – to second place if they continue to play as they did here ahead of Tuesday’s clash at Easter Road.
Stubbs, who wasn’t convinced the winner crossed the line, said: “Given the speed Duffy hit the ball, the official can’t be sure it’s a goal. Another important decision has gone against us.
“But the performance was disappointing. We didn’t do the basics well enough, controlling the ball and passing it. We looked uncomfortable.
“I’ll be looking for the players to respond in our big game against Falkirk.”
It was end-to-end in the first half as the home side had numerous chances to open the scoring, while Hibs striker James Keatings and Jason Cummings were thwarted by Scott Gallacher.
Alloa were forced to change keepers after just 25 minutes, with a limping Gallacher replaced by David Crawford.
Referee Bobby Madden waved away Hibs’ appeals for a penalty as Liam Henderson went down under a Dougie Hill challenge.
The Wasps took the lead on the stroke of half- time. Duffy’s snapshot from six yards cannoned off the bar and the linesman ruled it crossed the line.
Hibs weren’t much better after the break but Fraser Fyvie went close from a David Gray cutback just after the hour mark.
Anthony Stokes forced a save out of Crawford with a speculative effort from 25 yards before Hibs keeper Mark Oxley pulled off a magnificent reaction save to deny Duffy a second.
Alloa boss Jack Ross said: “No one wants to go through a season without winning at home. I’m delighted we got something for our efforts.” Peter Houston cranked up the heat on Tuesday’s showdown with Hibs by claiming Easter Road assistant John Doolan was disrespectful of his Bairns.
As Hibs crashed at Alloa, Blair Alston grabbed a last-minute winner to put Houston’s men six points clear of the Hibees – although Falkirk have played two games more.
The gaffer reckons the result shows his boys have the desire to finish runners up and have fewer games in the play-offs.
Houston said: “During the week the Hibs No. 2 said they would finish easily in second.
“I’m glad we are making it tough for them because we don’t see it that way. With their resources, everyone thought Hibs and Rangers would be fighting for the title but here we are with three games to go and a wee club like Falkirk are six points ahead albeit Hibs have two games in hand.”
Falkirk were ahead in nine minutes when Lee Mi l ler headed home at the back post.
But Stevie Mallan equalised for Saints from a 56th minute free-kick after Will Vaulks had fouled Callum Gallagher.
Falkirk restored their lead through a Bob McHugh header in 69 minutes, only for Mallan to level again, this time with a cool finish in 82 minutes.
As time ebbed away, Falkirk snatched a dramatic win when Miller and McHugh combined to set up Alston to rifle into the net from close range. Duffy celebrates after netting the winner against Hibs to give Wasps a first home win
Bairns party