Our wins in the league this season have shown that when we play well, we can beat anyone. Our trouble is that we can also lose to anyone and we frequently do. The performances we have turned in against our fellow relegation candidates have been nothing short of appalling and yesterday was no exception. Dundee United looked like steamrollering us until they had their ‘keeper sent off and even after that, they gave as good as they got.
We did manage a spell of pressure in the last ten minutes but that was too little too late. If we had displayed that level of urgency for the whole game, we wouldn’t have had to chase a draw at the end.
While a stand alone loss at Tannadice would not be the end of the world, Terry Butcher is once again left scratching his head at how we threw away points against a mediocre team. Yes, United worked hard but we should have been able to match that. Without McFadden we needed other players to step up – no one did.
Of course, there are always positives to be taken. David Clarkson did well again and along with winning our penalty, he came close on a number of other occasions. He also shows composure and willingness to take players on that bodes well for the future. Tony Vaughan has been without first team football for a while but he did enough to suggest he will be a worthwhile addition. Whether he is worth rearranging the side to accommodate is another matter.
Our next match is against Hibs at Fir Park. The last time they visited, they were in desperate need of a win and were fortunate to get it. We were unlucky in November at Easter Road so maybe we are due for a change against them. A win would certainly be very welcome!