Ref put Gus at disadvantage

Sep 21 2008 By Rob Fairburn

ST MIRREN boss Gus MacPherson last night rapped rookie ref Euan Norris' failure to play the advantage rule.

On three occasions Andy Dorman got in behind Bairns' defence - only for play to be pulled back and Saints awarded a free-kick.

MacPherson raged: "The third one I could not understand as Andy was almost round the keeper. Referees have now got the licence to let play carry on and bring it back if it does not develop into anything.

"I asked the official about it at half-time and he said he blew too early but it carried on.

"I'm not saying Andy would have scored but they were chances. It was maybe down to inexperience.

"The ref called it the way he saw it and over the piece had a decent game. But it was not a difficult match to referee. A draw was a fair result though. Neither side did enough to win."

Buddies striker Billy Mehmet also found the official's early whistle frustrating.

He said: "The referee could have played advantage but there is nothing we can do about it.

"We were delighted to get back in the game so soon after conceding - and that's me got six goals already compared with eight last season. Hopefully we can keep picking up points."