Nervous tension must be on the increase inside Fir Park. Wednesday’s defeat at Firhill means we are on a run of one win in eight. Can the pressure be relieved with a win at Rugby Park on Saturday?
Thanks to our excellent early season performances we still cling on to sixth place in the table. However, the pack is closing and if we are not to be drawn into the dogfight in the lower reaches we will have to find a way of picking up points.
The first half farce gifted Partick Thistle a lead that they could never have imagined. It was a horrible collapse that delivered the home side only their third win of the season and we have also given hope to St Johnstone and Kilmarnock as they have us in their sights.
If we search for any signs of encouragement from the defeat then we have to acknowledge the spirit shown in the second half. Frear and Bigirimana played a big part in the improvement and it was pleasing to see Bowman find the target with his header. Tanner’s jinking run and shot must give him a boost.
If we can carry the late momentum into Saturday’s game we can be hopeful of some cheer but Kilmarnock are a much improved outfit from that which lost 2-0 at Fir Park in September. Bowman and Moult scored the goals that day and we will miss that partnership.
Kilmarnock have improved since Steve Clarke was appointed in mid-October. Recent wins against St Johnstone and a 5-1 thumping of Partick Thistle together with a midweek point in Dingwall have them clear of the drop zone in 8th place.
Greer and Findlay were injured on Tuesday and are doubtful for Saturday’s game. Boyd and Brophy head their top scorer list.
Clarke has already stressed that his players need to avoid a casual start and to get back on the front foot. No doubt the same sentiment will be heard in the ‘Well dressing room as three o’clock approaches. We may stop the rot with a 1-1 draw.
Remember our last visit to Rugby Park?