When the end of season gongs are awarded at Fir Park the temptation will be to focus on the exploits of our goal scorers but Saturday's delivery of three league points was a reminder that defensive strength is a vital component of a team's success.
Many of those who witnessed the 'backs to the goal' performance in the second half on Saturday felt that the incessant pressure was bound to find a crack. Time and again Dundee chucked balls into our box and time and again from the other end of the pitch we saw the towering forms of Kipré, Aldred or Dunne rise to head the ball clear.
Crunch!
Supporting the central trio were Tait and Cadden. Their opportunities for advancement down the flanks were limited as they were kept busy with the Dundee wide men. Our midfielders and strikers all but abandoned their traditional roles as they joined their team-mates to withstand the siege.
The manager recognised the players' effort after the match, "Our back five and Trevor Carson were outstanding, Carl McHugh as well. If I was a fan and I was travelling back down the road having seen that kind of passion and commitment – throwing themselves in front of the ball, winning headers and tackles – I’d be absolutely delighted.”
A comment from The Dark Blues forum is a backhanded compliment to our team, "Mugged, bullied fouled. Motherwell are a horrible team but brutally effective."