STRANRAER boss Chris Aitken could not believe his team only got a point against Stirling Albion at Forthbank last Saturday.
For the Blues created umpteen clear cut chances throughout the 90 minutes, but they only managed to draw 1-1 with the Binos.
When Mark Russell slotted home from 12 yards with just two minutes remaining it looked like the visitors would get the win their play so richly deserved.
But, poor game management allowed Stirling to equalise in the dying embers. Stranraer failed to clear their lines and they conceded a corner from which Josh Kerr headed the crossed ball high into the net.
Aitken said: “It’s the season of goodwill I suppose. But, I’m lost for words. How that game wasn’t out of sight at five or 6-0? My guys were outstanding from the first minute until the 93rd minute.
“The game should’ve been out of sight. And it’s a reality check for them, I just said that to them – this is the tough side of football. When you don’t get what you deserve, and we didn’t deserve that today.
“You’ve still got to defend. You’ve got to know the game management side of the game. There was 93 minutes up and all we had to do was kick the ball up the park and the game’s over.
“We try to play a pass, they get a corner, they put it in and they get a goal.
“Christmas has came early for them, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a sore one, a very sore one. We just need to move on.
“I just need to make sure my guys stay upbeat, because in the last few weeks there’s been a few promising signs.”
He added: “It should’ve been out of sight. We’ve been working extremely hard in training and getting bodies in the box. I think that’s been evident to see in the last few games.
“The disappointing thing is that we’ve not scored more. Today the game should have been out of sight.
“We’ve got to keep on working hard. It’s tough, the guys are hurting in there. To come away with only one point is very disappointing.
“I can play Mark upfront, as a ten or as an eight. He’s a goal threat and he’s been outstanding since I came here.
“When we got the goal I said it was what we deserved. It’s going to hurt, but it’s another good performance from the guys.
“If we keep putting performances like that on there’s only one way we’re going.”
It is back to Stair Park this Saturday as the Blues welcome Clyde.
Aitken said: “The games just keep getting bigger and bigger. We’ve had another great away result, but now we need to get that into the home games.
“Clyde got a great result today, so they’ll be coming down on a high. But if we keep playing like this we’ll be fine.”