Dundee 1
Raith Rovers 2
Scottish Cup (4th Round)

Manager's Programme Notes

Up until now when penning this column, happily, I have been able to be positive for most of the season.

Unfortunately, the defeat at Somerset was one of the sore points which afflict every manager at some stage.

The result against Dunfermline and Ayr United may have been the same, but that was the only resemblance of the two performances.

Despite, losing the players were cheered off the park after our last home match with Dunfermline because the supporters whilst rightly expecting 100% commitment, also fully appreciate it when they see it irrespective of the result.

However, at Somerset Park last week our display was at the opposite end of the scale where we were totally out played and out fought.

I simply cannot understand why, but as I have already stated publicly, I was very disappointed with the players attitude. Not wishing to dwell on it any longer, I just hope that it was a one off and that they have got it out of their system because we are coming to a crucial stage of the season. The top of the table is a pressure pot situation, but we are still ambitions to finish ahead of the pack.

This afternoon's game is the start of two vital meetings with Raith Rovers who are undoubtedly Scotland's form team with eight back to back victories. It is, however, the kind of game to which our players will respond because they are well aware that only their best will do.

Today's Tennents Scottish Cup meeting of the top two in the league will I am sure be a tremendous advert for the First Division and, of course, victory presents a passage to the quarter finals of the cup.

Hopefully, with the backing of our supporters, we can get back to winning ways after the two recent set backs in the league.