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The contrast between the end of 2009 and the start of 2010 becomes wider with every passing week. At the turn of the year we were on an eight game stretch without a win. We had just held on to sixth place with every chasing team having games in hand. Now we can look ahead and see Dundee United becoming an ever more realistic target. We trail them by only four points and have a comfortable cushion over sixth placed Hearts.
All this is made even more remarkable since it can be argued that the quality of our play has deteriorated since the happy period that ended with Gannon receiving the Manager of the Month award for October. In that spell we reached fourth place and produced some lovely passing football.
The poor Fir Park surface has been a significant factor in the change of style that has been adopted under Craig Brown's direction but no one can deny that the more direct play has produced results. Early in the season it was rare for our keeper to launch a long ball from hand. In Saturday's game against Hibs, even when we were a goal ahead inside the last ten minutes and it seemed obvious that retaining possession was vital, Ruddy pushed his defenders up the park and declined the short pass which was mandatory months ago. It may not be pretty but we can't deny the effectiveness of the methods which Craig and Archie encourage.
It was great to see Jamie Murphy score the winner. The youngster had to bide his time while the Sutton/Jutkiewicz partnership enjoyed an extended run. His talents were recognised during the week when he was included in the national U21 squad and his well taken goal will not have gone unnoticed. He has pace, confidence in direct running and an eye for goal. A few good years at Fir Park could prove to be the foundation of an exciting career.
Kilmarnock come to town next Saturday. We have scored three against them in our earlier meetings this season and a clean sweep will keep the rollercoaster running!