Riera accepts final heartache

27 April 2009 08:38
The Bairns reached the final for the first time since 1997 with a 2-0 win over Dunfermline at Hampden.[LNB]Thomas Scobbie's first goal of the season and a late Scott Arfield penalty took John Hughes' side through to the May 30 meeting with the Light Blues.[LNB]However, Hughes will have to make do without his Spanish midfielder who picked up his third booking in the competition just after the break after when took a dive at the edge of the Dunfermline box.[LNB]Riera had "no complaints" about Dougie McDonald's decision but is disappointed with the SFA's disciplinary rules which will keep him out of the biggest day of his career.[LNB]He said: "I am very pleased for my manager, my team-mates and the club because it has been a very hard season.[LNB]"It is a fantastic achievement for the club but obviously from my point of view, I am going to miss the final with three yellow cards.[LNB]"We will try to appeal if it is possible, I don't know.[LNB]"But I think it was a yellow card because there was no contact.[LNB]"I tried to get a foul because the ball was too far away.[LNB]"When I realised what happened, I tried to stand up as fast as I could but it was too late.[LNB]"So there are no complaints, the referee did well with his decision.[LNB]"But my complaint is that for this stupid thing, I am going to miss the final, one of my biggest games."[LNB]Falkirk skipper Darren Barr struggled to come to terms with the fact the Bairns will be in Europe for the first time in their history next season.[LNB]The Scotland defender, however, insists they have to now focus on getting off the bottom of the Scottish Premier League where they are four points adrift.[LNB]He said: "It's a brilliant feeling but I don't think Europe has sunk in yet.[LNB]"But first and foremost, it's back to league business and I hope we can take that confidence in to the league game against Motherwell at the weekend."[LNB]Dunfermline manager Jim McInally admits his side fell short of what was needed to trouble the Bairns.[LNB]He said: "We just didn't do enough in the game and we didn't show enough bravery when we got into situations to go and commit Falkirk's back line. There was too much safe play.[LNB]"The first goal was always going to be crucial but to go and lose it from a set play was really disappointing. It was just a poor individual error."[LNB][LNB] Scottish Cup 2008/09 Win Outright: Falkirk 4/1  

Source: Team_Talk