Match Report

Wednesday, 30th August, 2023

by Chris Faulds

"Embarrassing" goals conceded to Falkirk

BRIAN RICE lamented four "absolutely embarrassing" goals as Alloa slumped to their third League One defeat in a row.

The Wasps were beaten 4-1 by Falkirk as the BBC Alba cameras rolled at the Indodrill last weekend.

The first big chance for Alloa came as Stefan Scougall latches onto a chip from Quinn Coulson, his powerful header forcing a save from Falkirk's number one Sam Long.

The Bairns took the lead just after the half hour mark as Callumn Morrison capitalised on a slip from Josh Debayo to slice a pass through the Alloa defence, allowing Calvin Miller the easiest tap in he'll ever get.

Alfie Agyeman doubled Falkirk's lead over ten minutes later, Morrison sending the ball to the back post where it was met by Brad Spencer, crossing it over to Agyeman for another tap in.

Speaking to WaspTV after the match, Rice rued defensive errors leading to cheap, costly goals against his side.

He said: "Falkirk deserved to win the game. I wish we had got the chances that Falkirk got. I wish that their defence would give away the goals that we gave away.

"The four goals today are an absolute embarrassment, an absolute embarrassment of four goals today.

"We're just shooting ourselves in the foot all the time - we talk about it and we talk about it but talk is cheap. To lose those goals today is embarrassing."

Alloa were dealt another sore blow on the hour mark, as ex-Wasp Ross MacIver scored Falkirk's third on his return to the Indodrill.

MacIver has been in superb form since his move to Falkirk, his third goal in four matches since the league began.

Substitute Brad Rodden gave Alloa a consolation goal with five minutes left on the clock - a floated ball from Kurtis Roberts finding the striker at the back post, who smashed it home.

But Olawasegun Lawal came off the bench to score Falkirk's fourth goal as the match came to an end, leaving Alloa to recover from a 4-1 defeat.

Rice decided to change his formation following the defeat away to Kelty, opting for a back four instead of the usual back three.

Scott Taggart, Morgyn Neill and Josh Debayo retained their spots in front of PJ Morrison, joined by David Devine, with Taggart and Debayo taking up the full back positions.

Steven Hetherington lined up in front of them alongside Stefan Scougall and Kurtis Roberts, with Quinn Coulson ahead of them in the attacking role.

New signing Taylor Steven made his debut for Alloa, joining the Wasps on a season-long loan from St Johnstone and lining up next to Conor Sammon in attack.

Rice added: "I could play with seven defenders and we would still lose goals with the mistakes we're making.

"It's not about formations - it's about boys putting bodies on the line, dying for the club and putting heart into it.

"It's nothing to do with formations, it's about somebody putting their head where it hurts and taking responsibility. Formations means nothing when you don't put your heart and soul into it."

Alloa were hit with some fresh injuries ahead of this game, with Luke Donnelly, Miko Virtanen and last week's goalscorer Cammy O'Donnell left out of the squad.

The Wasps will look to bounce back against Cove Rangers, who dropped down back into League One after finishing bottom of the Championship last season.

"The boys are injured," Rice added. "Scougall's got a knock there, Taggart is still injured, it is what it is.

"I just pick 11 warriors next week and we go to war. That's what we're going to do, 11 warriors.

"Those who are jumping out of tackles, are giving the ball away and not chasing back - they'll be sitting beside me."

"We've no excuses. It's 11 against 11 out there, don't make mistakes, be strong against your opponent, be quicker or match them.

"There's four or five out there not doing that. Next week will be different."