PARS skipper Andy Geggan says referee Crawford Allan admitted he got key decisions wrong in their defeat on Tuesday night.

Dunfermline’s Betfred Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after the 5-1 hammering but Geggan reckons it could have been a different story. 

He revealed to Press Sport the referee had approached him at half-time and admitted that he got vital calls wrong as Athletic slipped to their first defeat in the competition. 

Athletic were furious that Inverness’ second goal came from a controversial free-kick, and insult was added to injury when they weren’t awarded a penalty after two separate handball appeals.

They now have to win against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday to keep their league cup hopes alive. 
Geggan said: “He came to me at half-time and said the free-kick for the goal wasn’t a free-kick. 

“He’s given it and they’ve scored, fair enough. 

“And then we should have had a penalty and he admitted that as well, so that kind of killed the game for us. I don’t know whether we could have had one or two to be honest. We should have definitely had one penalty anyway.”

Aside from concerns about the refereeing display, Dunfermline were well beaten and shipped five goals at home for the first time since Hamilton hammered Stephen Kenny’s side at East End Park in October 2007.  

Geggan felt they were better than the scoreline suggested – Pars were level until just before the break – and said: “I thought the boys did well up to about 70 minutes maybe. 

“I thought we were on top even though we were 3-1 down! It was just stupid goals we gave away and obviously in the last 20 minutes or so we were just hanging in there basically.”

The summer signing of Nat Wedderburn has allowed Geggan to venture forward in a role he appears to be revelling in, with four goals in three games so far this season.

And he admitted: “I’m doing well just now. 

“I thought once I got that goal I could go and score another one but it just wasn’t meant to be. 

“I want to get a goal a game really. And I just want to get as many goals as possible. Nat has helped me, definitely.

"The gaffer is obviously wanting me to get in that box, and he sees that I’m a goal threat. I’ve shown that. 

“I’ve scored seven goals including the pre-season games, so I’m doing alright.”

Manager Allan Johnston is keen for Geggan to continue his scoring form, and showcase his talents going forward.

The boss said: “He’s got that trait to him. He’s good at arriving late in the box and scoring goals. 

“Last year we mainly used him as a defensive midfield player and he did really well there as well. 

“But this year you’re seeing him go forward a wee bit more and contributing with a few goals.”

Athletic now travel to face United for a live TV showdown on Sunday with the captain ruled out through suspension. Geggan will be forced to watch from the stand but he is confident his side can progress to the next round.

The bullish skipper said: “I can’t see why we can’t beat them. It’s only two bookings you get in this cup and that’s you suspended – and that was my second tonight unfortunately. 

“I think the boys will do well against them.”

The 29-year-old is targeting a high finish for Dunfermline this season, and is ready for the league campaign to start.

“We’re strong enough that we can make the play-offs,” he said. 

“As you can see we’ve got a very good team, it just never went our way (against Caley). 

“I’m looking forward to every game as the league is so competitive and I think every game we play will be excellent.”