Porter: I didn't even get touch on the ball

May 4 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

GUTTED Motherwell striker Chris Porter last night insisted ropey referee Steve Conroy got it wrong with the decision that dented his side's hopes of European football.

The Fir Park frontman was at the centre of the controversial call to give Celtic a corner with 11 minutes left of yesterday's SPL clash.

He appeared to get no touch on the ball as he challenged Bobo Balde who clearly headed out for a goal kick.

Conroy's poor decision cost Mark McGhee's side dear as Georgios Samaras stooped to head home the winner from the set-piece.

It was a cruel goal for Well to lose after Porter's opener had them dreaming of moving clear in third place in the race for a UEFA Cup place.

But Scott McDonald levelled in 62 minutes - just moments after the Englishman scored his 16th goal of the season - before Samaras pounced.

Porter was dejected afterwards and admitted he was amazed when Conroy (far right) awarded the corner.

The striker said: "It was a definite goal kick. I didn't get a touch on the ball and although I haven't seen it on TV yet I was shocked when the referee gave the corner.

"There's not much more I can say but the defeat is even harder to take when you're sure it was the wrong call.

"We deserved to win as we played really well."

Porter confessed Motherwell paid the price for a lack of concentration as McDonald equalised just 65 seconds after his strike.

But he insists the defeat won't derail the Fir Park side's bid to finish third in the SPL and seal a place in the UEFA Cup for next season.

Porter (right) said: "Scoring was possibly the worst thing that happened to us because losing a goal so soon after it totally killed us.Maybe it was a lack of concentration - people always say you're most vulnerable straight after scoring or when you've put on a sub.

"But we just have to dust ourselves down and prepare for Wednesday night's game against Rangers.

"I've always said any points we get against the Old Firm are a bonus.

"The games against Aberdeen and Hibs are far more important for us in the run-in.

"This defeat won't affect us in our aim which is to finish third and qualify for Europe.

"We did really well against Celtic and were unlucky to lose.

"If we play like that against Rangers in midweek we have a chance of taking something."