ALLOA boss Jim Goodwin was frustrated after his side let the chance to seal their playoff place slip through their fingers.

The Wasps only needed a draw to make sure of their place in the four-team showdown for a place in the Championship, but were beaten at home by Stranraer who kept their own slim hopes alive.

And the manager admitted his players simply had an off day.

Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: “We are obviously disappointed. Before the game we knew we needed a point and we stressed the importance of getting a clean sheet. Unfortunately we weren’t able to do that and get over the line.

“It was a disappointing goal to concede. We are usually very good at set pieces but unfortunately Morgyn Neill gets the better of Andy, and to be fair it’s a decent header.

“We didn’t work their goalkeeper enough and at set plays we weren’t as good as we normally are. It was just one of those afternoons. I didn’t feel like there was a lot between the teams.

“Stranraer sat with their two banks of four and were well-organised. We just didn’t move the ball quickly enough in the forward areas.

“I felt in the first half we were quite flat. We had to lift the tempo. After we conceded the goal we threw everything at them but unfortunately we couldn’t unlock their defence. They’ve done great against us in the four games and they’ve turned into a bit of a nemesis for us.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game but we are still in a good position. We will just have to go to Forfar on Saturday and try to get the job done then.”

Despite his frustration, Goodwin insisted his attacking stars will come good again and praised their recent good form.

He said: “I can’t be over-critical of the lads. We just came through a seven-game spell where we scored 18 goals which is a fantastic return. We’ve been looking dangerous in recent weeks but it just wasn’t there on this occasion.”

The mission for Alloa remains the same, and the squad are aware that a point from their remaining three League One games will be enough to see them safely into the playoffs.

Goodwin added: “We’re not panicking by any stretch of the imagination and we’re not taking anything for granted. We saw Brechin do it last year and Stranraer are on a really good run of form just now so it’s up to ourselves and Arbroath to make sure we get the job done sooner rather than later.

“We need a point. It’s as simple as that, but we go into every game trying to win it."