The joy of a Friday night win was extended to Saturday afternoon as the results at Pittodrie, Dens and Firhill left us still in the top half of the table with a healthy 10 point lead over Kilmarnock in the much feared play-off place. The win for Hamilton helped by keeping Inverness out of range.
Three games remain before the league splits and every point gained will bring the relief of a top six finish closer. Aberdeen (h), Inverness (a) and Celtic (h) will provide a stiff test at any time but we could be facing them shorthanded.
The wall stood firm
Mark McGhee referred to the price we paid on Friday when he said , “We have won tonight, but it’s been at a cost.” Lasley, Pearson and Law will join Laing in the treatment room this week and it might be that we struggle to get a first choice eleven on the field against Aberdeen. Whispers that the Compliance Officer may review McDonald’s behaviour will add to the concern. The international week that follows may provide a welcome break.
The show that the team put on particularly in the second half on Friday deserved to win the game. We played with a higher tempo and the lung bursting runs of Johnson, Moult and Cadden carried us forward.
The good work of the last few games has delivered a valuable boost to our points’ tally and we are close to safety but it is too soon for self congratulations. There’s plenty to fight for in the remaining games.