Irons’ praise despite defeat

Davie Irons was full of praise for his young side despite the 4-2 defeat to Hibs which leaves them nine points adrift at the foot of the table. 

The Black and Whites staged a late fight-back at Easter Road and pulled two goals back in the final ten minutes before Steven Fletcher completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

“I thought we played well for periods of the game and perhaps deserved a little more,” he said.

“A group of young lads playing together for only the second time - they did well. I thought their attitude and willingness to get at Hibs was first class and I’m proud of them.”

“We’ve made a lot of changes to the side and brought in these younger lads. There is a certain degree of fearlessness about them and they just keep playing.”

“As I said to them in the dressing room, I’m proud of every one of them because they never let their heads drop.”

“Hibs created a lot of chances tonight but so did we. Ma-Kalambay has made two great saves at the start of each half from John Paul Kissock so it could have been different.”

“People will say at 3-0 Hibs stopped playing and switched off but credit to our lads for coming back. We got one goal back and then another and Brendan McGill has had a great chance to equalise.”

Gretna had goalkeeper Greg Fleming sent off in the final minute after felling Colin Nish when through on goal and having used all three substitutes earlier in the game, Kenny Deuchar took the jersey.

Fleming will now be suspended for Saturday’s clash with landlords Motherwell, meaning on loan Polish youth international Artur Krysiak will make his debut.

“I think the sending-off was was unjust,” said Irons.

“But the boy Nish has been cute, he’s knocked it past and caught Greg as he goes past him. Greg has pulled out of the challenge.

“It was game over then but for a few minutes there was a wee chance.”