AWAYDEFEAT IS BIG SLIP UP
Defender’s fall in box gifts Cove Rangers the win
Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz admits that losing a late goal to leaders Cove Rangers on Saturday was tough to take.
The Binos produced a disciplined display and were set to end the 100 per cent home record enjoyed by Paul Hartley’s men until Mitch Megginson converted an 88thminute penalty after Paul McLean had handled the ball in the box when he appeared to slip following a corner.
The 1-0 defeat ended Albion’s seven-match unbeaten run and they are looking to get back on track against Annan Athletic at Forthbank this weekend. The Galabankies beat Cowdenbeath 1-0 on Saturday and
Rutkiewicz planned to take in their rearranged game with Brechin last night (Tuesday).
He said: “It looks like Paul loses his footing and we could maybe have organised better against the ball at the corner but the slip and the handball summarises the decisions we’ve been getting. I thought if it was a handball in the box it was a penalty then I watch the Man City v Liverpool game and it doesn’t seem to be the case and it’s becoming subjective again.
“I don’t really have any complaints about the decision but there are a few we have not had this season in similar situations – games against Annan and Cowdenbeath come to mind. There is no doubt the ball hit Paul’s hand but it’s a sore one to lose a goal so late.
“It’s the first league game Cove have failed to score more than one goal and they have really good players like Fraser Fyvie, Fraser Aird and Mitch Megginson. I was proud of the performance the boys gave and what a shift they put in. Paul Willis and Danny Jardine in the wide areas covered so much ground and the boys at the back put their bodies on the line time and again. “We looked dangerous at times. The plan was not to go and sit in against Cove but they are a good team and they move the ball well. I felt we were organised and we defended well from the front.” He viewed Darry Duffy’s miss in the second half as a gamechanger.
The Binos boss added: “If he takes the chance then we win the game. It’s a gilt-edged opportunity and at that point I think it’s the best chance of the game for either team.
“I felt sorry for Blair Currie because he didn’t deserve to be on the losing team – he had one terrific save and another few that I would expect him to make. He brings a calmness to the team that is invaluable and it was a harsh way to lose the game.
“If you go on possession and zonal dominance you would have to say that Cove probably deserved the victory in the end, although if we had got a point people would have said we deserved it because of our endeavour. We’ve had games like that where we’ve been on top and not won the game – we need to learn in these situations to keep believing because that’s what Cove did.”