JIM GOODWIN believes his side were worthy of at least a point despite a late Nicky Clark strike snatching all three for Dundee United.

The Wasps had more than matched the Championship title outsiders and had taken an early lead thanks to Jordan Kirkpatrick's second goal in three games.

However, an own goal by skipper Andy Graham pegged back the part-timers who then defended resolutely only to suffer Clark's sucker punch at the end.

The defeat – the Wasps' sixth in seven games – sees them rooted to the foot of the table three points adrift of Partick Thistle.

They will look to close the gap when they travel to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle tomorrow night.

Goodwin said: "The players put a heck of a lot of effort into the game and I thought the effort and commitment warranted a point.

"We didn't play as well as what we probably could have done in possession. But in terms of the shape and defensive line, I thought the boys were excellent.

"They are a confident group of players and we travelled to Dundee United expecting to get something from the game.

"It was terrific to get our noses in front in the first half and we expected them to throw everything at us. They were desperate for the win to keep up the pressure on Ross County.

"There is a huge gulf between the two clubs. Dundee United are at one end fighting to go up and we are at the other end fighting to stay in the league.

"I think the players show the character and commitment that is there and they are going to fight tooth and nail to keep their place in the Championship.

"So late in the game, it would have been great to hold on as it would have been a great point for us.

"We would have been over the moon with a point and it would have taken us closer to the teams above us."

With only eight games to go, the clock is ticking on Alloa's chances of catching Partick Thistle, Falkirk, and even Queen of the South in the bid to avoid the drop.

And while their form may have hit a rough patch at the worst possible time, Goodwin is convinced they are showing enough positives to still be in with a chance of defying the odds.

He added: "We are still within touching distance of the teams above us and there is still a lot to play for.

"There's no point dwelling on Saturday's loss and the players can take a lot of pride in their performance and what they gave into the game.

"We've got a really busy couple of weeks coming and need to be prepared."

Meanwhile, Goodwin revealed Sam Roscoe is set to be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered while training with Aberdeen.

In the youngster's absence, the gaffer was forced to shuffle his defensive pack with Scott Taggart partnering Andy Graham at the heart of the defence and Jon Robertson filling in at right back.

Goodwin added: "I thought they were excellent defensively. It looks as if Sam will be another couple of weeks.

"Scott Taggart was excellent in there at centre half.

"I can't fault the boys and thought they were excellent on the day."