Colin Clark blasted ‘criminal’ defending as his Renfrew side narrowly lost away to league leaders Hurlford on Saturday.

The Ford took advantage of an absolute howler by the normally dependable Frew goalkeeper Dale Burgess just 13 minutes into the Blair Park encounter.

Instead of hoofing upfield, Burgess opted for a short pass to Grey Wylie while the full-back had opponent Lewis Morrison breathing down his neck and the Ford forward’s immediate press forced an error resulting in the ball squirming clear and into the path of Marc McKenzie who coolly tucked it away to make the most of the break. 

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Frew more than matched the Ayrshire side after that with boss Clark insisting his side were unlucky not to take anything from the game.

He said: “A crazy goal cost us the game. There was no structure there at all for that goal. I actually told the boys not to play like that up that end of the park to avoid needless errors.” 

Clark continued: “Dale got Greg in trouble. It was the wrong pass to play to him, especially with his back to goal. There was no need for it. 

The Gazette: Frew unable to find a way back into after falling behind in the opening 15 minutes (Photo: Stewart Attwood)Frew unable to find a way back into after falling behind in the opening 15 minutes (Photo: Stewart Attwood)

“It was a case of the players simply not paying attention to our instructions - the last thing you tell them before they go out there is the first thing they seem to forget.

“It was almost identical to the goal we conceded against Maryhill last week - criminal defending has cost us in the last three games now. 

“Dale didn’t have a save to make after their goal so to go and play like that and get nothing against the team at the top of the league was better from us, but still frustrating. We were very unfortunate not to get anything from that game as we more than matched them after conceding.”

Defeat for Frew means they now sit just one point clear of the relegation zone, with both Troon and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy directly below them boasting three games in hand.

Renfrew travel to Newlandsfield Park tonight as they take on Pollok in their last match of the season, with Clark admitting they only have themselves to blame for the situation they find themselves in.

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He added: “It’s not looking great for us at the moment on current form. If the worst was to happen, then we have no-one to blame but ourselves. (At least) 80 per cent of the goals we have conceded this season have been self-inflicted. Very few teams cut us open, it’s a lot of individual mistakes and very preventable.”