DISAPPOINTED BUT NOT DESPONDENT

The continued progress of Maurice Malpas's side was hampered last night when the young Tangerines lost 2-1 away to a more experienced Kilmarnock outfit in what was a vibrant and inspired performance from both teams. Nevertheless, U-21's Manager Malpas was more than satisfied with many aspects of the game. In an interview this morning he said: "I am particularly pleased with our first half performance even though we went down 2-1. We started very bright and created many chances; unfortunately we soon gave away a clumsy free-kick at the edge of the box and, as a consequence, lost a goal. Stephen O'Donnell (pictured) equalised 22 minutes into the match after an excellent build-up with a 25-yards shot into the bottom of the net. Had it not been for a moment of slack defending, matters might have developed in our favour yet regrettably, and very much against the run of play, we went behind again eight minutes from half-time. We should at least have been level, if not ahead by the interval."

"After the break, we were not quite as energetic and imaginative, and once Marc Cocozza had been sent off, we had a steep mountain to climb. Having said that, it was us who created the best chance of the second half when McConalogue, following a great pass from Allum, produced an excellent header right on target five minutes from time. Unluckily for us, the Kilmarnock keeper denied us with a marvellous save."

"In conclusion, I feel we should have taken more from the match, we certainly deserved to. But we now need to lick our wounds and prepare for tomorrow when we face Celtic at home at 2.00pm."