There is no hiding from the awful truth. With only four points from seven starts Motherwell have had a rotten start to the league campaign. The manager reckons that hard work and some changes are needed.
One disappointing aspect of the Rugby Park debacle was that for the first 25 minutes we had competed well. The team was full of energy, happy to press the opposition when required and adventurous enough to make incursions into the Kilmarnock box.
The final nail...
Main took his goal well - a reminder of his best form from earlier in the year. Taylor-Sinclair's charge into the box was rewarded with a penalty and our man stepped up. He had converted from the spot at Tynecastle, surely a two goal lead would take us a long way to securing a three points? It was a poor penalty, MacDonald guessed right and made the save.
The roar that followed the save was evidence of the psychological impact of the missed opportunity. Later, Steve Clarke suggested that the penalty miss felt to his players like they had scored a goal. It was a turning point.
Stephen Robinson was quick to point out that two of the goals we were to concede were caused by not picking up runners and the third by a lazy leg.
The upshot was a dispiriting afternoon for the 550 Motherwell fans who made the journey. We are now one point off the bottom of the table.
The manager believes his team lack confidence. Hard work is needed. He suggested that his loyalty to certain players is at an end. Changes will be made.
Now that this tough week of three away games is over we have Livingston and, after the international break, St Johnstone next up at Fir Park. We'll need a decent haul from those to ease he growing pressure.