GRETNA, August 11 (SW) - Gretna manager Rowan Alexander is angry with his sides performance during their defeat to Derry City.

Derry City beat the Scottish first division side 5-1 in the UEFA cup game, despite the fact that Gretna have won the second and third division titles over the past two seasons and receive the backing from millionaire owner Brooks Mileson.

"It hurts because they did not adhere to what I told them and it is very annoying, " Alexander commented after the game.

He added, "Maybe they needed something like this to show them that they're not as good as they think they are.

"We gave away silly free-kicks and our passing was sloppy at the back but we have learned a lot tonight. You always learn a lot from defeat."

Gretna won their opening Scottish division one fixture 6-0 against Hamilton Academical.