Dick Campbell signed off for the season by aiming a verbal volley at referee Brian Winter and issuing a play-off final warning to Ayr.
Forfar boss Campbell was furious about whistler Winter’s handling of an incident early in the second half of this clash as the Loons put up a spirited show but were ultimately punished for last Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at Station Park.
The veteran manager was sent to the stand for his protests after Forfar were twice denied the chance to take a quick free-kick.
But an unrepentant Campbell, who believes Brechin can claim promotion to the first division, came out fighting after the final whistle.
He said, “My sending-off came after I complained about an Ayr player stepping in front of the ball and preventing us taking a free-kick. It was two minutes after half-time and we still had a chance to get back in the game.
“The player twice stepped in and, for me, denied us a goal-scoring opportunity which is a sending-off.
“The referee refused to talk to me about it at the time and he wouldn’t speak to me again when I went to see him after the game.
“As far as I am concerned I have earned the right to hear what they have to say but after today I won’t be speaking to another referee.”
However Campbell was honest enough to admit that this tie was lost in the first leg.
To have any chance of turning things around the Loons required to score first on Saturday but instead conceded early when Michael Moffat beat Neil Duffy from close range.
Forfar hit back with a well-taken goal by Dale Hilson before Ayr restored their advantage when Scott McLaughlin headed home from close range.
To their credit the Loons fought back through a Barry Sellars strike and a late penalty from Ross Campbell. However, they were denied victory on the day when Alan Trouten netted an injury time spot-kick at the other end.
The Forfar manager added, “The tie was lost in midweek but I thought we competed well today and could have scored a lot more goals.
“We had at least seven more great chances and didn’t take them.
“But my problem today is not with our performance but with the referee I have to wonder whether they understand what pressure clubs are under in games like these.”
Campbell believes this week’s final could go either way, adding, “I wish Ayr all the best but they should not take victory against an Angus club for granted.
“Brechin are a good passing side like Ayr and I honestly couldn’t call it.”
United counterpart Brian Reid admitted he expected to be facing Cowdenbeath rather than Brechin.
He said, “It is a bit of a surprise but Brechin are a good team and it’s a great result for them because Cowdenbeath were the first division team.
“We know they will give us two tough games and we will have to defend better than we did today.”