Edinburgh's Alan Solomons rues 'little things' in Cup final loss

Edinburgh are still pushing for a top-half finish in the Pro12

Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons says "the little things" proved pivotal in their Challenge Cup final defeat.

The 19-13 loss to Gloucester at The Stoop saw the Scots fall short despite a spirited comeback.

"I thought we were back in it. They looked to be struggling, we were on the attack inside the 22 but gave away a penalty at the breakdown," he said.

"It's hell of a hard but it's the little things that make the difference in finals."

Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw came back to haunt his former club, accounting for 14 of Gloucester's points.

Billy Twelvetrees scored the opening try, while Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Greig Laidlaw exchanged penalties to leave Gloucester 13-6 ahead at the interval.

Laidlaw extended the lead to 13 points from the tee, but Billy Meakes was red-carded for a high tackle with 17 minutes remaining.

Edinburgh fell short against Gloucester in a pulsating final

Ross Ford's try boosted Edinburgh's hopes, but Gloucester held on to leave the Scots still searching for their first European trophy.

"If we could have just kept the ball we had a great chance of scoring, but perhaps on balance they deserved their victory," said Solomons.

"In the first half we allowed them far too much momentum. I think our big opportunity was at 19-13 when we pushed into their 22.

"But they forced a turnover and that was a major factor.

"If we could have just kept the ball we had a great chance of scoring, but perhaps on balance they deserved their victory."

South African Solomons is out of contract in the summer and Edinburgh back-row Roddy Grant hopes he remains at the club.

"He's the man to take the club forward," Grant said. "He's the man, he really is. I can't speak highly enough about him.

"He's brought the squad so tight, he's recruited a lot of great guys and it's the best place Edinburgh has been since I've been there.

"We're playing good stuff. We got so close tonight."

Alan Solomons is out of contract in the summer