JON ROBERTSON was gutted after Alloa let the chance to secure a playoff place with three games remaining slip through their fingers.

The Wasps needed just a point from their clash with Stranraer, but lost out for the third time in four meetings between the sides this season as their opponents kept their own slim promotion hopes alive.

The utility man admitted that the squad knew their performance was not up to scratch.

Robertson told Advertiser Sport: "It wasn't great. We are massively disappointed not to have ensured a playoff place.

"From the start of the game we were only really at three quarters of our capabilities. But I did feel we had chances and defended well too.

"We conceded from a set piece but I don't remember them having another clear-cut chance, while we've had a few. Their keeper has made a great save from big Ross Stewart.

"We weren't good enough and we know that ourselves, but we still had enough chances to win the game. It was a bit of a replica of the game down there. We were poor in the first half and then they scored a scrappy goal.

"They have turned us over three times now so fair play to them. They are still battling to get into those playoff spots.

"I don't think teams playing at home have an advantage but we do like playing on our own pitch. It suits us.

"We were confident before the game that we could get at least a point, which would have taken the pressure off going into the next three games."

Alloa have claimed 21 points after falling behind in games so far this season, but Robertson reckons they made life too difficult for themselves last Saturday.

He said: "We have done well from losing positions this year and funnily enough that was one of the things we talked about before the game.

"It's hard for any team at any level to keep coming from behind, especially against a team who have good players going forward and are well-organised. It can be difficult to break teams down when you're in that position."

The versatile former St Mirren star says it's crucial that the Wasps make sure of their playoff spot when they visit Forfar on Saturday, but is expecting a tough test against a rejuvenated side who have all but secured survival.

Robertson added: "It is a chance missed so we have got to go again on Saturday. It will be another tough game because Forfar had a good result which will just about secure their place in the division.

"They'll want to make absolutely sure of that so it will be everything to play for for both teams."