Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, has stated his intention to tackle John Fleming, head of referee development at the Scottish Football Association, over decisions which he claims cost the Pittodrie side three points against Hearts at the weekend.

McInnes made it clear he is not seeking excuses for the defeat but he is concerned that a decision not to award a penalty kick to Peter Pawlett was incorrect and cost his side dearly as the Tynecastle side went on to take all three points, courtesy of Jordan McGhee's goal. It was a strike which McInnes also found contentious given that Danny Wilson seemed to impede Nicky Weaver, the Aberdeen goalkeeper.

"We could do with some decisions going our way," McInnes said, ahead of a League Cup tie at home to Alloa Athletic tonight. "I think that's been lost in all of this. Nicky should have done better at the second goal - he knows that - but there's no question Wilson jumped into him.

"The Pawlett penalty decision was just wrong. We were quick to hear from the officials when he got banned for diving but I've not heard from them yet on this one. I will be speaking to John Fleming because Peter was clearly taken out and it was a penalty kick."

The Aberdeen manager added that the officials missed other issues - the manhandling of Calvin Zola by Callum Paterson at the back post was one he cited - and that he looked forward to hearing Fleming's views on them. "I am glad people have seen that it was a clear penalty when Peter was taken down and that there was no wrong-doing on his part," he said. "We should be talking about Peter's performances. Anyone watching him couldn't fail to be impressed with his play. He's been outstanding."

Pawlett will be in place against Alloa, since the winger possesses the pace to discomfit their Championship opposition. "It will be a tough game but it will be a tough game for them as well," added McInnes. "We will need to be bang on it from the start and have enough belief in the team. It's a good opportunity for us to go through."

Not if two of their past employees can help it. There is a temptation to focus on Paul Hartley's return to Pittodrie as manager of Alloa, yet the bigger threat to the home side's ambitions of easing into the next round is personified by Scott Bain. The Alloa goalkeeper was recruited from the under-19s at Aberdeen two years ago. "It will be great for him to show how well he has progressed," said Hartley. "He is the best young keeper in Scotland and Aberdeen's loss has been our gain."