Dundee Utd boss rues 'thin margins' in Scottish Cup final

Manager Jackie McNamara was disappointed by Dundee United's Scottish Cup final performance but also thought luck had deserted his side.

Ryan Dow and Nadir Ciftci hit the woodwork for United as they lost out 2-0 to St Johnstone at Celtic Park.

"It just wasn't our day, little thin margins like the post and the bar," said a dejected McNamara.

"I think we can play a lot better. We had chances but there's a thin line between winning and losing sometimes."

Dow came close to opening the scoring when his flick bounced off the inside of the post and Ciftci saw a free-kick hit the underside of the bar and bounce down on to Saints goalkeeper Alan Mannus on the line.

And those missed chances proved costly as St Johnstone picked up their first piece of major silverware thanks to goals from Steven Anderson and Steven MacLean.

"The goal going in just before half-time was a real body blow for us but we tried to break them down in the second half and it just wouldn't go for us.

"I'm disappointed with the goals, especially the first one.

"We can play better than that. I think we can raise the tempo, which we tried to do more in the second half.

"At times it was quite stop-start but we have to congratulate St Johnstone on their victory, you have to give them credit."

McNamara refused to blame goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak, who came a long way out for David Wotherspoon's corner but failed to get there and was beaten by Anderson's header in first-half injury time.

"He has been outstanding for me all season, I would never criticise a goalkeeper for coming for the ball and making a mistake," he said.