In mitigation it can be argued that we conceded three inside the last fifteen minutes when the team were chasing the game. The manager had played his part in seeking the equaliser to McGeady’s 48th minute goal by fielding three substitutes but the players were unable to produce enough of a fight to satisfy him.
His post match comments revealed that the players were reluctant to tackle and that the opposition were allowed too much freedom on the ball. Some of that failing can be explained by the absence of Coke and Lasley. With Jennings suspended for Wednesday’s European showdown we can only hope that the pair will be fit for the midweek battle.
They have plenty of work to do before Wednesday!
Looking for a plus point in a 4-0 defeat can be difficult but there were at least two hopeful signs for the optimists to seize. Ruddy’s return has to be welcomed and, despite having to pick the ball from the net four times, the sight of him rising to clutch high crosses was reassuring. Saunders continues to improve with every game and we should be delighted that his contract has been extended.
There are now only two games left before the dreaded close season arrives and given our sorry state at New Year it is amazing that we have the opportunity to finish in fourth place. Wednesday’s clash with Hibs has all the makings of a classic. Two teams battling for a European place, prices slashed to tempt the fringe support and live TV will give the players an ideal platform to deliver some end of season entertainment.
Win or lose, we can reflect that the season has been a great (if unexpected) success. All we can do is make sure that the team has the big support it deserves and hope that a third successive European tour lies ahead.
Come on ye ‘Well!