There is no doubt that defensive errors play a part in most goals and that was certainly the case at Tyncastle on Saturday. On the other hand we were not without some good fortune when Clarkson's second took a touch off a defender to wrong-foot Banks.
The loss of the third goal, so soon after the equaliser and with less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, smacked more of a lack of organisation following the substitutions. O'Brien and Darren Smith had still to break sweat and the removal of McGarry and Lasley left us short at the back. That said, Mikoliunas produced a wonderful strike to win the game.
There were long stretches, particularly in the second half, when it seemed that we would be unable to score. Occasional bright patches, when we played some neat passing, were put into the shade by lots of long balls fired hopefully in the direction of Porter.
He was matched by Berra and Zaliukas in the air and was lucky to escape a caution for his continual high arms as he fought to get a head on the ball.
Craigan's distribution from the back could only be described as random. While there can be no complaint when a defender clears his line under pressure, there must be some expectation that a team-mate should be found when time an space are available.
There were several encouraging signs evident from this first SPL fixture. Fitness levels and commitment were up to the mark and Clarkson seems to be continuing the good form with which he finished last season. He must have hopes of being named in the forthcoming
We have two home games to come,