Dundee: 24h on

Last updated : 22 February 2015 By Firparkcorner

The team looked so disjointed against Dundee that it made a joke of the manager's pre-match comments that the week's training had been focussed on "back to the basics".  His understatement after the game was "we went in to our shell a little bit."

Whatever the preparations and planning by the management the truth remains that when the white line is crossed responsibility transfers to the players.  The performance was wholly inadequate in every respect.  We looked unconvincing at the back and toothless in attack.  Too often the ball was launched in Sutton's direction apparently without much consideration for an alternative. 

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The flags didn't fly for long....

We were unable to make meaningful progress on either flank and resistance in the centre of the park was frittered away by poor passing.  All in all it was a depressing afternoon.

It was made worse when news of Ross County's win at Firhill was revealed.  We're in such a state at the moment that any help from others is a bonus.

The squad can have a day of reflection on Sunday but they have to return to build some belief that they can yet turn the season around.  This game was lost in our collective brain the moment the errant cross found its way into the net.  Dundee played out the remaining 75 minutes without any great flair but basic competence was all that was needed.

A new generation of Motherwell fans will now have to endure the tense, nail biting pleasure of a full scale relegation dog fight.  It won’t be pretty.  At times last season we produced some effective passing football and the rewards followed.  As this campaign gets to the business end we’ll see players booked as they argue over throw-ins at the halfway line.  Avoidance of error will become the thought uppermost in players’ minds as the ball gets punished ever harder as it is propelled up the park. 

The outcome may not be final until May but if we can’t improve on Saturday’s feckless display there’s no doubt where we’ll be playing next season.