DUFC 3 RRFC 0

Before I get to the game on Saturday, I've not been on much in the last week or so due to work pressures so a wee comment on the transfer window first - it was a bit frustrating, wasn't it?

I've got a bit of sympathy for Ray in that he obviously didn't want to bring players in just for the sake of it. He clearly worked hard to bring in Premiership quality players but for whatever reason it didn't happen. He did bring in Nicholls who, on the surface, doesn't seem overly inspiring but as always we'll judge him on performances. I was surprised we released Tope, not that I think he's particularly great but more because he's the only player in our squad with pace. He was a decent impact sub.

Anyway, to the game.

The first half was an absolute snorefest and that's simply because both teams packed the central areas instead of utilising the space on the wings, and with the standard of player in this league that meant the ball was rushed and in the air more often than not.

Credit to the manager though, his tactical change made the difference. With around 10 minutes to go in the first half he switched from the midfield diamond with two up top to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Murray pushed wide and Mikkelsen up top on his own, and it paid off quickly with Mikkelsen opening the scoring. I'll be honest, I was away for a pee and missed the goal.

I think the importance of this tactical change was that it opened the game up and, probably most importantly, it brought the otherwise anonymous Tony Andreu into the game. I get that he scores goals and ultimately goals win you games, and his goal certainly was important in us winning on Saturday, but I just don't think he does enough in games, and I think that is particularly compounded when we play two up front with him in behind. I know I'm going to be in the minority on this but I like my number 10 to constantly be on the ball and probing and creating and that's not really his game. I just always have this nagging feeling that if he's not scoring he's not contributing, and I know I'm probably saying this at the wrong time because he was very good in the second half at the weekend and he does have some lovely touches, but he's just not my kind of player for that position.

The third goal was a lovely header from Mikkelsen from a lovely delivery by Murray. I also thought there was some good play in the build up from Dixon and I felt he actually had a very good game. It was very pleasing to see the defence play well and look rock solid again and hopefully we can get back to keeping clean sheets. Even Toshney wasn't terrible in the defensive midfield role so that was a positive.

As for Raith, they were awful to be honest and as poor a side as has come to Tannadice this season. I really expected more from them.

Onwards and upwards and with Hibs drawing it's given us a wee shimmer of hope that we might not quite be out of this title race altogether, although it'll be very difficult for us.

Mon the Terrors