Cove Rangers assistant manager Jimmy Boyle blamed his side’s game-management as they let a 4-1 lead slip to draw 4-4 with Hamilton.
Cove were in cruise control at New Douglas Park through goals from Mark Reynolds, Mitch Megginson (two) and Gerry McDonagh, but in a remarkable contest shipped three – including a late equaliser from an indirect free-kick – to draw the game.
“At 4-1 we should see the game out,” said Boyle. “We’re looking for experienced boys to make good decisions. I spoke to the boys and told them we made a lot of poor decisions.
“We look great going forward and scored some good goals, but our game management was really poor. We knew they were going to have a go and our keeper makes a poor choice, to hold on to it for the length of time he did. He’s gave the referee something to go with.
“That’s what happens in this league if you’re not on your game. You’re going to lose goals like that.”
Cove had looked to be on course for their first away win of the season, but for their second-half collapse. They were also without manager Jim McIntyre, who had been ill during the week.
Boyle revealed he spoke to referee Chris Graham about the decision to punish goalkeeper Kyle Gourlay for time-wasting, which set the stage for Hamilton’s dramatic fourth.
“I had a wee chat with the referee (about the indirect free-kick),” added Boyle. “He’s made the decision to go with that and I think he made a lot of decisions you just have to go with.
“I’m not going to blame the referee, because we’ve caused a lot of our own problems today. We should have done a lot better with the game.
“Jim was in touch. He’s obviously disappointed. He was pleased with a lot of the play, but he’s not pleased with the players with how they maintained the game at the end.
“If you’re not at it in this league and you give teams a chance to come at you, these things happen.”
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