Inverness - 24h On

By recent standards this was, on paper at least, one of the strongest elevens to appear in claret and amber in the last few months. McDonald was recalled after his 'rest' for the Celtic game and Paterson was preferred to McGarry. It was an introduction to the three sided Caledonian Stadium for Murphy and Vadocz but the rest were familiar enough with the strange surroundings.

It was evident in the first ten minutes that the home side looked like the favourites. They were more determined in attack and their midfield seemed eager to support the front runners. We persisted with fruitless long lobs to McDonald and Clarkson but they were poorly served throughout the game. McDonald had a couple of half hearted efforts in the first half and Vadocz had a hopeful swipe in the second.

McBride's injury early in the game gave no particular cause for concern as his red boots hobbled off the park and Malpas tried to break the pattern at the start of the second period when Quinn replaced Murphy. The altered formation (3-5-2) failed to deliver more threat and it was only the home team's decision to defend their two goal advantage which allowed us more possession in front of Fraser's goal.

There is no doubt that the players deserve the criticism levelled at them and we can only hope that they redeem themselves at Fir Park on Saturday. How can professionals have a collective failing? Is it a lack of preparation? Is it complacency? Or are they already in holiday mood?

Regardless of the cause, the management team have their work cut out this week. The game against Falkirk will be as much test for them as for the players.