St Cuthbert Wanderers boss Josh Gardner feels his side are being punished for their mistakes – and not taking advantage of slip-ups from others.
Saints were beaten 2-1 at home by Utility Hut South of Scotland League leaders Creetown on Saturday.
But Gardner reckons his side could have been 2-0 up if they’d been a bit more clinical in front of goal.
He said: “I think it’s the story of the season - other teams are making mistakes and we’re not punishing them, and the mistakes we make seem to be getting punished.
“I was disappointed we didn’t make more of our chances and the possession we had.
“I thought we started really well and I was a wee bit disappointed we didn’t go 2-0 up. We’ve had one cleared off the line and another when Kane Paton has got in behind their defence. You’d expect a player of his quality to score from there and I know Kane was disappointed as well.
“Then we were hit by the sucker punch – in my opinion it looked offside but Creetown held their nerve and scored.
“It was about the only foray Creetown had into our half in the first half.
“Then there was an individual error two minutes into the second half that’s led to them scoring.”
Creetown opened the scoring through Joe McMillan, Josh Rennie extending the advantage in the second half.
Nick Mullen got one back late on for Saints but it proved to be little more than consolation.
Gardner said: “I thought we played really well – although the result is what matters. I was happy with the performance, maybe not in the final third, but the rest of the play was pretty decent.
“Jamie Adams and the lads at Creetown have done really well. They’re defensively solid and have the best defensive record in the league. I think the goal we scored on Saturday was only the sixth they’ve conceded in the league.
“They’re defensively sound and have two good strikers. I just felt as if we had opportunities to create a lot more against them.”
Saints were due to face Caley Braves last night before they host Stranraer on Saturday as they begin what looks like being a busy month for the Kirkcudbright side.
“It’s going to be a tight month. The performances have been good, we just need to try to get the points on the board.”
