GUTTED Alloa Athletic player-manager Jim Goodwin admits his side were second best as they slumped to a 3-1 loss to title rivals Livingston last weekend.

The new Wasps boss felt the loss of influential defender Andy Graham was a turning point in the match, but bemoaned his side’s spurned opportunities that may just have swung the game in their favour.

Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: “I am bitterly disappointed with the defeat. Goals change games as they say, and it was a clear indication of that at the weekend. 

“Just prior to Livingston taking the lead, we had a one-on-one opportunity and also the goal which was chalked off in the first half and either of those might’ve swung it in our favour. 

“You have to take your chances in tight games like this. There was nothing in the game as it was going from end to end, but they always had a threat going forward.

“I thought we had handled it well, but big Andy Graham going off was a blow because he is a big player for us. I thought Pat Scullion came on and did well, though. 

“The opening goal took the aid of a deflection. Neil Parry made a great save just before, but getting the first goal was important. We then had to chase the game a bit after that.

“The goals were poor, disappointing. I wasn’t sure about the second one, I would need to watch them back to see if Liam was offside. That is a decision that can go for you or against you sometimes and the third goal we were chasing the game at that point. We will be disappointed at the defending but it was a fantastic finish by Liam Buchanan.”

Goodwin had to make his first real big call as boss when withdrawing Andy Graham following a nasty clash of heads with Livingston defender Sean Crighton. 

The gaffer revealed that the collision left the Alloa defender bloodied and briefly unconscious and so Goodwin feels he made the right call regardless of the outcome of the match.

The Wasps were hindered by a late call off through injury to key midfielder Iain Flannigan before the game, but the former St Mirren midfielder was delighted to hand teen starlet Adam Martin his professional debut in his place.

He said: “Andy Graham has had stitches but at the time when it happened he was out for two or three seconds but came round again. The big man being the player he is, wanted to play on, but it was the right call to take him off. 

“The blood was not the major issue, but we just didn’t want to take a risk as he is such an important player. We will now have to consider the effect of concussion and the implications, so the decision was made for the player’s welfare.

“Iain Flannigan phoned on the morning of the match. He had a problem with his back again and we were not willing to risk playing him in one game to maybe then lose him for five or six, so it was only right that young Adam Martin was given his chance. 

“The wee man has been different class in training, he skins boys in training all the time. He has been playing really well in the development team and scored a fantastic goal against Berwick Rangers during the week, so I just felt it was a good time to throw him in and he did fine. I don’t think we got the ball to him enough, but he certainly didn’t make any mistakes or look out of place.”

The 34-year-old revealed that it was a mutual agreement between himself and Ben Gordon to cut short the former skipper’s loan spell back at the club.
Goodwin added: “Ben Gordon going back to St. Mirren was a mutual kind of agreement. 

“I felt that Jason [Marr] and Andy [Graham] were pivotal to us going on the good run at the start of the season. Therefore, my first decision at Brechin last week was to bring Jason back into the side because I felt I owed him that loyalty for his good work he has done up till now.

“Ben is a great lad, a great player and he took it really well, but at the same time, Jack [Ross] made it clear he could do with him back at St. Mirren.

here was no issues, but Ben wasn’t going to be happy sitting on the bench. He came here to play games and I couldn’t guarantee him that.”