Managers post Falkirk

Link to audio of both managers` post match comments

Like all Dunfermline fans, Allan Johnston hates losing to Falkirk so the result was a sore one for him too. He told the media:-

"We could have cancelled the game because we had that many boys away but we have used this competition to play some of the boys who have not had enough game time. I made the decision to carry on with that so I have to take a bit of responsibility for that as well.

"Obviously we could have fielded a stronger team if we wanted to. We had five away altogether but we called Callum Smith back so it was only four.

"It is great for the club to have players away on international duty but still I thought with the players available that we were good enough to win the game. Falkirk were lacking a lot of confidence and struggling to score goals, so it is frustrating especially losing such a poor first goal as well.

"It comes from a kick out that we have to deal with better. Then the man was free in the box from the corner as well. It gives them a big left but we have just got to move on quickly.

"We know that we are better than that. This year we have scored a lot of goals but today I thought we struggled going forward. We never created as much as normal and we just have to make sure that we are back on track at the weekend."

Asked about the late red card shown to midfielder Dean Shiels for his tackle on Joe McKee the manager replied:-

"I think it was Needless but there was maybe poor remarks getting made to Deano. It is something that we probably speak to him about. He shouldn`t react no matter what is being said to him.

"I think that puts him out for next Saturday because it is a straight red. That is disappointing because he has done well for us. Somebody with his experience should not really react no matter what is said to him. I`m sure he will learn. Whether it is a fine, I will speak to him about it."

The defeat was not nice but the gaffer stressed that the league is the priority:-

"We used this competition for the fringe players, the ones that need game time but our main priority is the league. I have said that right from the start. We have to make sure having got beat by Dundee United that we are back on track next week and go down to Queen of the South and get a result. We are more than capable of doing that."

Related Stories

• Falkirk 2 Dunfermline 0
• Club Statement – Abusive Behaviour & Homophobic Chants
• Margaret Ross Memorial Fund