Greenock rue more missed chances
A TIGHT encounter at Kingshill Park saw Forth Wanderers edged past Greenock.
The Ravenscraig men continue to struggle to build momentum in the Second Division and remain in 12th position.
Jay Keenan’s sweetly-hit shot on 28 minutes was enough to claim the three points following a three-man move.
There were chances at both ends, although quality in the final third was lacking. Ryan Corr came closest for ‘Nock to gain a point and Steven Frame misfired in front of goal for the home side with an opportunity to double the lead.
Moments before the interval, striker Sean McLaughlin had to be replaced with a hamstring pull and Liam Lapsley took over to lead the line.
Despite constant pressure from the visitors, the breaks just did not appear for Ian Nixon’s side, with Evan Dunne and Ben Lauchlan providing vital blocks to deny Wanderers the opportunity to double the lead on their rare breakaway moves.
‘Nock lost manager Nixon mid-way through the second half for questioning a refereeing decision and Dunne was also red-carded after the final whistle.
The Greenock manager said: “We played the better football but we were not ruthless enough and we need a break — but we believe it will come.
“The boys gave everything and on a difficult surface we went about our business in the correct way.
“We were knocking on the door all day but we could not create the chances and lost out to a deflected goal.
“We will have training twice this week, although we may arrange a midweek friendly to sharpen up a few things ahead of our trip to Kilsyth.”
On Saturday ‘Nock travel to Kilsyth Rangers with a 1.30pm kick-off.
Greenock: Callum Robertson, Ryan Corr, Aiden Marner (Dec McFadyen, 75), Evan Dunne, Ben Lauchlan, Dec Black (Tam McAuliffe, 70), Adam Houlihan, Jamie Cunningham, Craig Brown (Aiden Coll, 75), Aidan Duffy, Sean McLaughlin (Liam Lapsley, 44). Subs not used: Jack McInnes, Cammy McPhee.
● Greenock are sponsored by Saveheat, Keystore Cowal View, Declan Byrne Music and The Lighthouse Bar.