Dalbeattie Star boss slams 'blatant mistake' he feels turned South of Scotland League Cup final

Dalbeattie Star boss Eddie Warwick has slammed the “blatant mistake” that he believes turned Friday’s cup final against his side.

Star were 1-0 up on Lochar Thistle thanks to Ross Hunter’s goal when the goalscorer was taken out by Lochar keeper Konar Pietsch early in the second half.

Referee Andy Halliday only issued the goalie a yellow card and Lochar went on to win 2-1 as they retained the South of Scotland League Cup.

Warwick accepted the second half was probably the worst his side had played all season – but thinks the lack of a red card played a part.

He explained: “It’s a massive decision, he’s the only man in Palmerston who saw it that way. I’ve spoken to people who were at the game, it was a huge turning point.

“I’m not one for criticising referees but it’s a massive decision and unfortunately it’s probably ended up deciding the outcome of the game.

“I don’t want anybody sent off, he played with us last season and he’s a great guy, but he knows himself it was a straight red. He had two reds against us last year for the same thing and has had one this season.

“I’m OK with referees who make mistakes but it was a blatant mistake on a big occasion.

“It’s given them a lift, they score two minutes later for 1-1 and then they score 10 minutes later. The whole thing is derailed.

“We’ve had to take Ross [Hunter] off as his leg has been mangled.”

Hunter had given Star the lead after just a couple of minutes.

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However, they failed to build on their advantage and Lochar hit back in the second half when former Star striker Scott Milligan scored just after the hour mark.

And the winner arrived a quarter of an hour from time when Finlay Kennedy fired home to ensure