‘A terrible, terrible performance’

St Johnstone manager Craig Levein admits his side were “terrible” after crashing to a shock 3-2 defeat against side Alloa Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup which leaves progression out of their hands.

After a goalless first half, the hosts took a 54th minute lead courtesy of Morgan Neill.

Benji Kimpioka claimed his third goal in three games to equalise almost immediately, but 18-year-old defender Aaron Essel saw red for the Saints.

Luke Rankin grabbed a brace in the 83rd and 88th minutes, and only a stoppage time Jack Sanders goal narrowed the scoreline.

“I thought we were terrible, I really do,” Levein told the club’s X account, external afterwards.

“We not only got outfought but at times we were outplayed as well. I know we were down to ten men for a large part of the game but the way we were playing I’m not sure that would have made a difference.”

“We’ve had chances to score and didn’t take them, I just honestly think it was a terrible, terrible performance.”

After previously beating Brechin and Morton in the group stage, St Johnstone had been on course to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.

However, the defeat at the Indodrill Stadium now leaves the Perth side knowing they must beat East Fife and hope Morton can stop Alloa to ensure their name is in Sunday’s last-16 draw.

“That’s the biggest disappointment,” admitted Levein.

“We were in a really good position and rather than trying to get the game by the scruff of the neck and dominate the match we didn’t do that, and it was a poor performance.

“We absolutely need to get a reaction, we spoke about that after the match. We need to turn up on Saturday and play like our lives depend on it because we didn’t do it tonight.”

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