ONE LAST CHANCE

The battle of avoid the wooden spoon moves to the season's final game following a narrow 1-0 defeat at Dumbarton.

Craig Brittain's 11th minute goal was all that seperated the teams at the end of a fairly ever match which was spoiled as a spectacle by a swirling wind.

Forfar's 2-0 defeat at Stenhousemuir means all Shire now require to avoid a sixth successive last place finish is a draw in the final game of the season against Montrose, so long as Dumbarton beat Forfar at Station Park.

"We now just have to concentrate on next week," said Shire boss Jim McInally, who refused to blame teenage debutant keeper Norrie McIntyre for the goal which proved decisive.

"I think he fell as he went to catch the ball," he said. "But the wind made it difficult for him too. He apologised to the team afterwards, but he really has nothing to be sorry for."

The bounce and the wind appeared to decieve McIntyre who, under normal circumstances, would have easily dealt with Brittain's cross-cum-shot.

"The club put him in the position where he really had to play, and at least the lad was brave enough to put himself in the firing line.

"He made a couple of great saves in the second half and didn't do that badly."

Regular number one, Gary O'Connor, opted not to turn out for the club because he had a prior engagement. O'Connor had made it a condition of his agreeing to sign for Shire that he would not have to play at Dumbarton.

"Gary made his position clear weeks ago but, with the game so important to us, I thought that would have tugged at his conscience a bit.

"It's just another example, though, of the mindset at this club which has to change if we are to move forward."

Shire had plenty of pressure as the game reached its conclusion but could not capitalise.

"I  can't fault the effort," said McInally. "But it's clear we lack something up front and that was the difference."

shireTV has a full post match interview with Jim McInally following this disappointing defeat.

Highlights of the match are now on shireTV.