Missed chances cost Saints

Jan 17 2013 by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News

Saints were never ahead in Saturday's game, Craig Rudds terrific strike cancelling out Soltys opener before the same player put Crichton back in front at the break.

Rudd equalised almost as soon as the second half began and while Soltys completed his hat-trick from the spot, a goal from Alex Walker saw the game going to penalties.

Ben Irving had a chance to win the game for Saints but hit the bar and when Crichton keeper Rab McColm scored his spot-kick he then saved Raymond Gordons to send his side through.

The penalties the one awarded to Crichton and the shoot-out provided bones of contention for McCrossan.

They got a dubious penalty to say the least, he said. Soltys said when everyone was preparing for the shootout it wasnt a foul, it was just a coming together. Shaun Hutchison was very unlucky not to stop it.

I think there was enough light for extra-time but the referee decided he wanted it to go straight football there was no talk prior to the game about it, not that that would have made any difference. I think both teams wanted to go to extra-time.

Saints are hoping Roddy Cooksley will have recovered enough from a first half knock to be involved in Saturdays trip to local rivals Threave Rovers.

And while its a big game, McCrossan believes its no more important than the others because all their remaining fixtures come into the must win category if they are to have any hope of winning the title.

He explained: We have to win every game between now and the end of the season but with the resources Dalbeattie have theres no way theyll let it slip.

Weve only lost two and drawn one but thats how high a standard Dalbeattie have set.

We obviously want to win it and its a derby but Threave are firing on all cylinders now

Itll be a hard game but these boys dont surprise me and I fully expect a reaction.