Mixu rues gamble that didn't pay

14 April 2009 07:57
Paatelainen went all out for victory in a bid to virtually secure sixth place but he was left disappointed by his side's display.[LNB]A win would have taken the Leith club three points clear of chasing Motherwell, who play Saints next week in the last game before the SPL splits in to a top and bottom six, while Hibs host title-chasing Rangers.[LNB]Paatelainen started without a holding midfielder against the Buddies but the visitors struggled to stamp their mark on the game and fell behind to a wonderful Andy Dorman volley just before the half-hour mark.[LNB]A minute in to added time in the first half, Hibs striker Steven Fletcher levelled with his 50th goal for the Easter Road side but Paatelainen remained unhappy.[LNB]He said: "I'm not happy with that performance at all. It was not a good day.[LNB]"I took a risk and went for it. I thought if we could get the first goal then we might change it.[LNB]"But the players couldn't pass it, it's amazing how that goes.[LNB]"And unfortunately we didn't dominate because our passing was poor.[LNB]"It was a great opportunity missed.[LNB]"We are one point ahead of Motherwell who play St Mirren next week and that won't be easy for them.[LNB]"On our day we can beat anyone but we have had so many poor days this season, we need to be more consistent.[LNB]"Fletcher has a tightness in the groin area, I don't know if it is tightness, a cramp or whatever. "It will be a difficult game against Rangers and we need to be ready."[LNB]Meanwhile Paatelainen admitted he could be without Fletcher for the crunch game against Rangers at Easter Road next Sunday.[LNB]He added: "Fletcher has a tightness in the groin area, I don't know if it is a strain or cramp or whatever.[LNB]"It will be a difficult game against Rangers and we need to be ready."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk