Against Hibs at the start of March we saw a comfortable two goal lead reduced to one just before half time and fell behind later in the game. Only a dramatic last gasp header from Sutton saved us from defeat. At Fir Park last weekend we led by one at the break but trooped home dejected after a last minute winner from Kilmarnock. And at Paisley we had a two goal advantage after half an hour. It was whittled away (no thanks to a referee's blunder) and we were 3-2 losers.
Our frailty when defending corner kicks was there for all to see. McAusland and Goodwin were unlucky not to convert before Thompson finally got the goal that the 'Well support feared every time the ball was placed at the flag. Nevertheless we still had the advantage.
After the final whistle Stuart McCall gave credit to St Mirren for "having a go" in the second half but much of his focus was on the award of the penalty. He was clear that it had cost us the game and few would argue that the decision turned the game regardless of the fact that the home team were on top at that stage.
Our league position suggests that we don't have too many weak points but there's no doubt that this inability to shut up shop has cost us dear. The problem is unlikely to be solved in the last five games when we face the rest of the top six and must figure high in the manager's plan when he starts building for next season.
We have a fortnight to prepare for Celtic's visit. No doubt we'll be delighted if we get to a position where we have to defend a lead!
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