Elgin City’s Jake Dolzanski red card controversy as Allan Hale’s side battle to point against Clyde in League Two
Elgin City manager Allan Hale praised the character of his players as they battled to a point after an ‘extremely soft’ red card decision in the third minute against Clyde.
Centre-back Jake Dolzanski was dismissed for an alleged shirt pull on Jordan Allan in the third minute of Saturday’s clash with Clyde at New Douglas Park, but City held on to draw 0-0. The dismissal can be seen below at 1 minute 10 seconds.
Hale was delighted with his side’s battling qualities, which ensured they remain undefeated in the league after seven games ahead of Saturday’s clash with Edinburgh City at Borough Briggs.
“It was extremely soft,” Hale said on the red card. “My interpretation is that there was very minimal contact.
“The reaction of the players suggest there is not a pull and the striker’s momentum hasn’t changed - and there is no clear goal-scoring opportunity.
“But I’ve got to laud the players for the performance they then put in. We were outstanding and got stronger as the game went on. It highlighted the character of the squad we have - and the ability.
“To play 90 minutes with 11 men away from home is a difficult task, but doing it with 10 and overcoming the adversity of a poor decision, the players deserve an enormous amount of credit.”
The scoreless draw ensures that Elgin are yet to be beaten, seven games into their League Two campaign. They sit third, just two points behind East Fife and three behind leaders Peterhead.
That run isn’t something that is focused on by Hale and assistant Stefan Laird, though.
“It isn’t something we talk about,” Hale said. “It’s nice to have, but we just try to win games.
“Obviously it is good that we are unbeaten, but it’s not something we are overly concerned about.”
Many had tipped this weekend’s visitors Edinburgh City to finish bottom of the table.
They currently sit eighth, joint on points with Stranraer and Forfar Athletic below, but with a game in hand.
Hale said: “Myself and Stefan didn’t think they would be runaway relegation contenders.
“We know the management team really well and know how meticulous they are.
“They have a clear identity and are the best possession-based team in the league.
“It’s going to be really difficult. They have dangerous players in the final third and players who are comfortable on the ball.
“We have to be at our best or it will be tough. But we are playing well and our home form is consistent. I’m sure it will be a good, open game.”
