BERWICK Rangers boss Jimmy Crease admitted he was disappointed with the result against Annan after back-to-back wins, but he was not too downhearted.

The Borderers might easily have had it all wrapped up by the interval if they had been able to convert their chances into goals.

Damon Gray had already struck an upright before Ian Little hit the frame then went on to miss another two gilt-edged chances.

Annan broke the deadlock after 7l minutes when keeper Jamie Barclay was slow to react to a cross and Scott Gibson beat him with an overhead kick.

Then with only nine minutes to go Darren Gribben was sent for an early bath for using foul and abusive language as he challenged a decision by the referee.

“We were up against the league leaders and if that is the standard at the top then we really have nothing to fear,” said Crease. “We conceded a poor goal defensively, but I cannot fault the effort and commitment of the players because I thought we were the better team.

“Had Ian Little scored in the first half who knows what might have happened? He has been playing professional football for 17 years and probably has not missed an easier opportunity. In fact, he was turning away to celebrate only for the ball to come back off the post.”

As far as the late dismissal of Darren Gribben was concerned, Crease said: “I now find myself trying to defend the indefensible.

“Darren is a naturally gifted player with a lot of ability – but his actions at times are inexcusable. He must have found himself offside about ten times during the game, which is naturally very frustrating not only for him but also his team-mates and the fans.

“But he has to learn to accept officials’ decisions and there is no excuse for his behaviour which led to him being shown a straight red.”