Dundee 3
St Mirren 1
League (First Division)

Manager's Programme Notes

Finding solace in a defeat by our nearest rivals is never easy, particularly as it cost us our unbeaten record in the league. However, I wasn't as disappointed with the performance as I was with the result.

There were a lot of pleasing aspects to our overall display. At times we played a lot of good football and created numerous chances, but paid the ultimate price for being too slack at the back. Even before last week's game we had been working to tighten things up defensively and what happened during the match against United meant that we only stepped up our efforts in that direction this week. Unfortunately, all three of our central defenders - Roddy Manley, Neil Duffy and Dusan Vrto have all had spells on the sidelines through injury which has meant a lot of chopping and changing and we must get a settled look to that part of the side.

It is all the more unfortunate because the midfield and attacking areas of the side have been functioning consistently well and they must ensure they maintain that same momentum.

Saints young side are another year older and another year wiser after their all too close skirmish with relegation last season and will be fighting for a place in the top half of the league rather than at the wrong end of the table and this will make them difficult opponents.

In the past we have tended to struggle in games such these and all I would ask is that our fans give us the same level of encouragement this afternoon against St Mirren as they did in last week's derby match, because it will be of great assistance to the players as we endeavour to quickly hit a winning note again.