Mike's Moan: Look At Me… I'm Mark McGhee

When I heard the team line-up for Love Street I have to admit I had a minor breakdown as I would have slated Malpas for picking this team last season. However, I calmed myself down and decided to trust McGhee - and low and behold I was proved right. I would never have believed that players such as Clarkson and McGarry could have such a positive impact on a game like they did, they were full of movement, passed superbly and also showed pace, endeavour and … wait for it … skill!!!

I thought Porter also showed very encouraging signs, as he held the ball up well and linked the play superbly at times. In fact, I thought the front three were so good in the first half that I think McGhee has to stick with them for Saturday, even if McCormack is fit.

The rest of our team also showed signs of a dramatic improvement, so much so that I am finding it hard to find someone to moan about. The defence looked strong, with even Quinn coming on to some sort of a game in the second half. Lasley was excellent, although he should have been sent off, and O'Donnell put in a good shift for fifty minutes.

The only weak point in the team was Fitz, I don't like to single him out but he has been around for long enough now that he needs to start fulfilling his promise. I was almost oblivious to him playing in the first half, as he did very little. I would start with Mensing on Saturday, and if we can get more players in I would send Fitz out on loan - he isn't cutting it at this level and against the better teams he will definitely be found out.

We now have four home games in a row, or nearly, so we have to be looking at picking up a good few points. I know we can't get carried away, but the difference in the team was such that I think it will be hard to avoid.. If we can add a few more quality players to the pool, stay clear of injuries, surely we are going to have a good season.

Then again it is Motherwell, so I'll probably be moaning again next week.

MM Player Ratings:

G Smith - 6 (hopefully confidence is coming back)

P Quinn - 6 (I wouldn't play him but did ok)

J Paterson - 6 (half the man he used to be)

M Reynolds - 7 (getting better and better)

S Craigan - 8 (stand-out for me in defence)

P O'Donnell - 6 (still not sure)

K Lasley - 7 (very important to us)

M Fitzpatrick - 4 (in a word… duff!)

S McGarry - 8 (he showed signs of pace!)

D Clarkson - 8 (who would have believed it)

C Porter - 7 (very encouraging)

MM