Aberdeen - 24h on

Despite the disappointing result there has to be some satisfaction at the performance the team delivered. We managed to cope with three changes in personnel including the loss of Klimpl and Craigan. McLean looked comfortable in the middle of defence along with Reynolds while McGarry beavered away in midfield. O'Brien had a superb game and richly deserved his goal. He then served up several fine chances for others but, sadly, there were no takers.

O'Brien at the corner

The upshot is that we are faced with an intriguing couple of games before the league splits. Only goal difference separates Motherwell and Hibs and the SPL computer has delivered a strange coincidence for games 32 and 33. The rivals for sixth place will share opponents - both have to play Rangers and St Mirren.

Motherwell take on Rangers at Ibrox before finishing with St Mirren at Fir Park. Hibs are at the new St Mirren Park next week and end with Rangers at Easter Road. It could be argued that the Leith team have an advantage because they will know our result before each of their games. Thanks to $etanta they are in Paisley on the Monday night and they face Rangers in a Sunday fixture. We play both our games on Saturdays.

Our manager reckons that four points will be needed to give us the valuable sixth place. If so, we'll need to take at least a point from Ibrox next week. We've had three draws against Rangers in the last couple of seasons but the last point at Ibrox was in October 2006.

It looks like the issue will not be settled until the St Mirren game - maybe the club will let everyone in for a fiver to boost the crowd?