DUFC 1 RCFC 0

What a difference a year makes. If you'd told me this time last year, after we had just won 3-0 to go to the summit of the Premiership that there would be joyous scenes after a 1-0 win, thanks to a late penalty, against Ross County at Tannadice I'd have looked at you like you were a bit daft. But so it was that euphoria gripped the Arab faithful after we secured a crucial three points against the Dingwall outfit.

It was better. Much better. Mixu's rocket last weekend has obviously hit home and the team went out with a much better attitude and determination to get points on the board. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a vintage performance - there were still some poor bits of play, the side still seems disjointed at times and there are plenty of problem areas to be addressed - but if the team continues to play with that level of heart and commitment then we will pull clear of danger. If we get quality in the door, starting with Kawashima this week, then we'll climb that table quickly.

A couple of interesting changes from Mixu, and a couple of surprise names staying on the teamsheet. Zwick was dropped in the goal for Szromnik, who came in and did well. He started poorly, coming to punch a through ball and missing everything, but after that he was solid throughout and made a couple of good stops.

Durnan and Kuhl kept their places. This was a surprise to me to be honest as both had been utterly hopeless since Mixu came in. They were much better on Saturday. Durnan still has his moments but did reasonably well. Kuhl I thought stuck to the simple things and did much better. He might actually be ok after all.

Up top he brought in Taggart for Bodul and, while he fell out the game second half and probably should have been replaced, he did well in the first half and helped stretch their defence. We played a more direct game, trying to get our two forwards in behind and turning their centre halves, and it worked well.

Negatives? Souttar. We've established he's not a central midfielder. He's not a right back either. This isn't because he can't play there, it's simply because his attitude is stinking. He loses the ball and jogs back. He looks disinterested. He's a passenger and we can't afford them. He needs dropped. Quite frankly I won't be disappointed to see him go in the summer when his contract expires as his attitude is terrible and he simply hasn't improved in the last 2 1/2 years.

MOM was McGowan though. Terrific performance and leadership from the big Aussie.

My final point is on the crowd. It wasn't a great attendance, as you'd expect, and I tweeted before the game that the atmosphere was like a morgue before kick off. It improved dramatically as the crowd responded to what was happening on the park. The fans got behind the team and roared them on and it was great to see. I know Mixu commented on it and I'm glad he did. Hopefully the fans stay behind the team and help them get up the league.

Mon the Terrors