McInnes felt the referee missed two incidents in his side's cup tie with Dundee United

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes felt referee Craig Conroy missed a challenge on Graeme Smith that caused his side's 1-0 Scottish Cup loss to Dundee United.

"We shouldn't lose goals the way we did," said McInnes.

"But I felt there was a challenge on my keeper from Darren Dods that the ref should have seen, but he didn't.

"We were not at our best, and we have to be at our best. We didn't have the spark we normally have, but on balance, I thought United were the better team."

David Goodwillie struck the only goal of the tie at McDiarmid Park following a goalmouth scramble, sending his shot of off the underside of the bar on the stroke of half-time from close range.

However, video footage indicated a possible foul on keeper Smith beforehand from United's Darren Dods.

Darren also gave away a penalty against Murray Davidson in the first half. Having seen it again, it was more blatant than I first thought. St johnstone manager Derek McInnes

"I saw it again and I felt at the time there was a challenge on my keeper," said McInnes.

"At the same time, Darren also gave away a penalty against Murray Davidson in the first half.

"Having seen it again, it was more blatant than I first thought.

"These decisions can go against you and it's the difference between going through and not going through."

St Johnstone exited the Co-Operative Insurance Cup on Wednesday night following a 2-0 loss to Rangers and McInnes felt the midweek defeat contributed to his side's poor performance at home to United in the Scottish Cup.

"We're obviously a bit flat," said McInnes.

"There was a slight hangover from the game on Wednesday night, with a few boys who were a bit tired.

"We were not at our best and we have to be at our best - but we didn't have the spark to our play that we normally have.

"We didn't have any sustained play and I thought United were the better team.

"They played sharper, with more intensity, and they deserved their win.

"On balance, I thought United were the better team."

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