The manager introduced Brian McLean for a rare start and played him at right back, Paul Quinn moved up to right midfield. McGhee planned that this would negate the threat from McGeady down that wing.
While that part of the plan may have had some limited success there we were presented with a much bigger threat when it became clear that McManus and Vennegoor of Hesselink would dominate of penalty area when any set piece allowed a high ball to be crossed.
We lose the first goal
Just before the half hour we were behind again. McDonald's volley took a deflection and beat Smith at the near post. The game was over as a contest two minutes before the break when a lack of communication between Craigan and Smith caused the defender to concede a corner. Vennegoor of Hesselink headed it home to send us into the dressing room two behind.
The game might have turned had McCormack's twenty yard volley been on target. but the final nail in our coffin arrived ten minutes into the half hen we failed, yet again, to deal with a ball into the box. It fell to the Dutchman and he smashed the ball into the net giving Smith no chance.
Given last week's win at Parkhead this was a disappointment. We rarely looked like putting pressure on the opposition goal and can have no complaints about the result. Darren Smith impressed in his twenty minute spell and Steven Hughes was unlucky when a thirty yard dribble through the heart of the defence forced the keeper to make his only desperate save of the game.
Our next game is against Dundee United in a fortnight. Clarkson and Malcolm will be available and with any luck we'll see some grass on the pitch!