Despite playing the better football for much of the game we were beaten by weaknesses at either end of the park. Jutkiewicz, Sutton and Murphy had several good scoring chances but they could find no way to beat Zaluska. In defence we lost two from set pieces, a pity given that we looked comfortable in open play.
There’s no doubt that the forced change of goalkeeper and the loss of Craigan early in the second half reduced our efficiency at the back. If Craig Brown had any doubts about the need to find a suitable replacement for Ruddy (if he can’t be persuaded to prolong his stay north of the border) then it will be blindingly obvious now.
Lots of empty seats at a half empty Parkhead
Our form over the season has been as clearly defined as the first three cycles of the SPL fixtures. A great start under Gannon was followed by the dip which led to his departure. The New Year revival under Brown’s leadership brought us to the top six with a fantastic run but we appear to be on a dip as the season draws to a close.
We can be grateful that our three successive losses have not (yet) threatened our fifth place and we still remain four points above Hearts. Although our target must be to overtake Hibs there will be anxious glances backwards to see how the Gorgie mob cope at Ibrox this weekend. Their final games will be no easier that ours and if we throw away a four point advantage then we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.
Dundee United arrive for Sunday tea to provide our next outing and despite their good form we should be looking for a win. Our chances will improve greatly if Ruddy and Craigan can be patched up but football matches are won by scoring more goals than the opposition and our forwards will have to make more of their opportunities if we are to start the last phase of the season on a high.