ALLY McCOIST, the Rangers manager, found himself at odds with his opposite number Peter Houston last night over referee Alan Muir's refusal to award Falkirk a late penalty that could have taken their sides' meeting in the third round of the League Cup into extra-time.

Rangers were leading 2-1 in the final minute through an own goal from Owain Tudur-Jones and a Dean Shiels strike when a toe-poke from Rory Loy, who had opened the scoring for the home team, clearly struck the hand of Bilel Mohsni in the area.

Muir ignored furious protests from the Falkirk players and Ian Black completed a 3-1 victory for the visitors in the second minute of stoppage-time with an outrageous effort from distance. While McCoist backed the referee's judgment after the final whistle, Houston was unable to disguise his unhappiness.

"I felt we were denied a stonewall penalty kick," stated the Falkirk manager. "Rory took a bad touch, but it smacked against the boy's arm and the players are adamant it was a penalty. I did. I was disappointed with some of the refereeing decisio ns. I am going to ask him the question. It came at a crucial time. If we get a penalty then, perhaps it's going to extra-time.

"I have no idea why he didn't give it because I thought he was in a good position to see it. If the arm is up in the box you are leaving yourself in a position where it is a penalty kick if it hits it."

McCoist remains unconvinced, however, that Mohsni was capable of doing anything to prevent the infringement and certainly does not believe it was intentional.

"I didn't think it was a penalty," said the Rangers manager. "I don't think there is any doubt it hit his hand. Deliberate handball? Absolutely not for me.

"I will watch it again and stand corrected if I need to, but I would agree totally with the referee. I know it hinges on controversial decisions, but we deserved the win."