Allan Maitland, the Alloa manager, was highly critical of Stephen Finnie, the match referee, as his side lost out to a controversial penalty against East Fife at Bayview Stadium.

Maitland called Finnie's decision to award the home side a spot-kick - Alloa's third against David Baikie's side this season - "farcical", adding that he believes all of the penalties his side have conceded against East Fife this term have been controversial.

Alloa had the best of the chances before substitute Paul McManus won and converted the penalty after a challenge by Dougie Hill. "It was a farcical decision and a farcical result," said Maitland. "That is now three penalties East Fife have had against us this season and all of them are dubious."

However, Maitland conceded that the penalty was not the deciding factor. "The penalty decision didn't cost us the game - our inability to take chances cost us that," he said. "We controlled the game from start to finish and to say I'm disappointed is an understatement."