David Martindale has called Max Stryjek's sending-off in their League Cup loss to Inverness "harsh" but has confessed his side have looked "undercooked" in the early part of the season.
The Lions almost let a three-goal lead slip against League Two Albion Rovers on Saturday, eventually clinging on for a 3-2 win, before their midweek loss to Inverness.
Despite that, the gaffer insists there has been positive signs in both games and pointed to Stryjek’s dismissal as the key moment in their Tuesday night defeat.
He said: “Our final ball, our execution and our game management has a bit of work to do at this stage if I’m honest.
“I think we’re a wee bit under-cooked and we’re looking like it. But in terms of looking after the ball, dominating possession and our patterns of play, I thought we weren’t too bad.
“But you’ve got to stick the ball in the back of the net. In both games there’s probably been 80 per cent that I’m fairly happy with and then 20 per cent where I’m extremely frustrated.”
He added: “It was two bits of game management for us against Inverness. For the two goals it was absolutely shocking.
“Max’s sending-off killed us a bit. I know there’s pictures of it but actually in real time he’s got the first contact and the striker’s gone into him.
“Max has won the ball fair and square and his momentum has then taken him through. I thought it was a wee bit harsh. It’s one of those ones where if it goes against you, you’re probably thinking it’s soft but if it goes for you, you justify it.
“That made it difficult to get back into the game and then the second goal is very fortuitous because he’s fired it across the six yard box and it hits James Penrice’s head and then the bar before going in.”
The Lions did at least stage a late rally, with Jason Holt’s goal reducing the deficit six minutes from time before the same player then missed a penalty.
Martindale, though, doesn’t believe that deserves any praise, saying: "Our job is to win football matches.
“We get paid to do that so we’re not getting any kudos for the end. If you’re getting beat then it’s your job to try and get back into the game and win it.
“We got ourselves back into it but you’ve really got to work the keeper from a penalty. I’m disappointed and feel that we should be in a much better place than we are right now.”
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