City manager Michael O'Neill was pleased with the work rate and commitment of the team after the heavy defeat against Stirling. However, he registered his disgust in the referee's decision to send off Darren Smith after just half an hour.

Stirling had taken an early lead through Steven Bell before Darren Smith was sent off for fouling David O'Brien on the half hour mark, and Michael O'Neill felt the referee Steven Nicholls dealt them an unbelievably harsh hand.

Speaking to The Courier, O'Neill said: "My players were not undisciplined at all, although you would never know it when we were down to 9 men with two red cards and bookings on top."

Talking about Smith's dismissal, O'Neill said: "That should never have been a red. It had an effect on the game because this was never a 4-1 defeat.

"My players put in a magnificent second half. I can't fault their work rate or commitment. They deserve better than what they've had dished out here. It spoiled a good game. We need better officiating at this level of the game."

Stirling gaffer Allan Moore said: "Our tactics of getting the ball behind their back four paid off and we will keep going for the top spot, although I do not expect Morton to drop many points."

Chris Hughes was also given his marching orders for City late on after pulling Dougie Wilson down in the box, but there can be few complaints about that one.

Iain Russell netted City's only goal to keep up his excellent form. 'Beany' has now banged in 5 goals in 3 goals and currently sits top of division's top scorer charts with 16 goals to his name.