The Gaffer Seeks Consistency After Disappointing Loss

Jim Goodwin expressed his frustration but remained focused on the positives following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. 

The Manager acknowledged that the result was disappointing but felt the match could have easily ended in a goalless draw. "Had the game finished in a nil-nil draw, I don't think there would have been too many complaints from myself or from Derek," he admitted. "We had one or two half chances and got into more dangerous areas than Kilmarnock over the piece, but we just lacked that little bit of quality in the final third." 

Game Defining Moments 

One of the key moments of the match came when in-form striker Sam Dalby saw his header strike the crossbar. However, the Gaffer's primary frustration lay with the controversial goal that decided the match. "I've watched it numerous times from different angles, and I can't understand how the guys in the VAR studio don’t rule that one out or at least ask the referee to review the monitor." 

"Jack Walton is trying to get off the ground, but it's impossible because the Kilmarnock forward’s arm is across his face before he heads it into the goal,". The United boss referenced a similar incident from a recent match at Fir Park, where a goal was disallowed for a foul. "We've seen goals like that ruled out before, and that’s what frustrates us, it’s about consistency."  

Positives and Building on the Loss 

Despite the disappointment, the Gaffer was pleased with Alan Campbell’s first start for the club. "It’s his first start in a considerable period, but Alan is a fit lad. He added great energy to the pitch. It was a scrappy game, as you’d expect down here, but Alan battled well." 

He concluded by emphasising that the match lacked real quality from either side and that a draw would have been the fair outcome. "If Kilmarnock had scored from a moment of real quality, we’d accept it. But we can’t accept losing in this manner. It should have been a nil-nil game." 

As we look ahead, the Manager remains determined to ensure his side keeps pushing forward despite yesterday's set-back.