Although the loss was narrow we have to accept that there was a sizeable gap between the teams. We managed only one shot on target and spent most of the game defending stoutly. The players worked hard and can’t be blamed for any lack of determination. Speaking after the game Stuart McCall delivered the upbeat spin, "We're disappointed to lose, but we take a lot of positives from it."
The seven game unbeaten run has ended but as one door closes, another opens. We’re off to East End Park next week and the chance to get back on the winning trail. This hiccup should not have any effect on the team’s confidence and a decent shift against Dunfermline should see us back on track.
A word of praise is due to the 329 brave souls who formed the away segment in the 40,400 crowd. To be perched in the corner of the stadium, hugely outnumbered, watching your team pinned back for most of the game and then to see them lose was not a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
The main damage sustained was from the referee’s yellow card. He correctly cautioned Hutchison, Hateley, Hamell and Ojamaa. We have felt the effect of suspensions on team selection recently and there is more to come. Lasley will be missing next week and now both Clancy and Hutchison will miss the SPL meeting with Aberdeen on March 17. Some self discipline is needed!