It was a real disappointment for those who followed the drum up the A9 before they settled into the away stand at the Caledonian Stadium. Within a couple of minutes of the kick off it was clear that we would be on the back foot. Early passes were wide of the mark and there was a sense that confidence was ebbing. We were unable to build any forward momentum and there was a reluctance to take any risk. A series of short balls across the park would end with a hopeful punt in the direction of Sutton but there was no close support.
The only surprise was that it took Inverness so long to score. By the time McKay had beaten our uneven back line to enjoy the freedom of our eighteen yard box in minute 28, we had still to venture into the opposition box. That we were to recover an equaliser within a minute was even more surprising and an indication that the home defence had been lulled into a sleepy state by the previous half hour's inactivity.
Motherwell fans hoped that the reprieve or an inspirational change of tactics at half time might alter our attitude but more of the same followed in the second period. Pedestrian plodding had replaced the never say die attitude that earned three points in the previous outing.
The stand-in manager made no attempt to hide the truth after the game. the quote, "It was hard work watching that today and I feel for the supporters that travelled up. They showed a lot more enthusiasm than some of our lads" should be posted on the dressing room wall in the hope that the shamed occupants redeem themselves next week.
There will be very few Motherwell fans who expect us to be in the draw for the next round of the Scottish Cup. That would require a second win over United and on the evidence of Saturday's lack lustre display only the most rosy eyed optimist would dare to contemplate such a triumph.