Dundee Utd 2
St Johnstone 0
League (Premiership)

Manager's Programme Notes

It is a nice feeling to find ourselves top of the league after seven games, especially as the fixture list gave us such a difficult start. Not many people I would suspect would have envisaged us being up there. Reflecting on last year, it was at this time that we really started clicking in as a team up at Ross County. So hopetully, we do the same again However, this afternoon we will have to get the better of a St Johnstone side that came out on top too often against us last season. Overall, games against them were disappointing, especially the two defeats at McDiarmid Park. Sandwiched between those, they defeated us by the only goal of the game at Tannadice which was a very frustrating night. There was nothing between the sides, but they still came out on top. And, of course, I hove no need, or wish, to remind anybody what happened last time the two clubs met at Hompden last May! That completed a very successful season for Saints, so hopefully this afternoon we can start to redress the balance.

Both teams go into today's game after reaching the quarter finals of the League Cup in midweek. In our case it was with more than o sigh of relief to get over the line against Dundee. With them playing so long with ten men, it proved a frustrating night all round. But I think you give them credit for how hard they worked; and gave everything for Paul Hartley. They started the better, were on the front foot and winning most of the second balls. Undoubtedly, the red card when Stu was brought down changed the game. To be honest, we were beginning to think it was going to be one of those nights. Especially when you think we've hit the woodwork three times as well as having a couple of efforts cleared off the line. In fact, before he got the winner, Jarek actually had a couple of earlier chances. And I'm delighted for him because he's been excellent for us.

In terms of our overall performance, there is no doubt that we can play an awful lot better, but you have to admire their battling qualities that made it so difficult for us. But we also mode life difficult for ourselves by coming too deep for the ball, which made it easier for them. As a result most of our goal attempts were from outside the penalty box, so you con understand that being a derby, progressing to the next round was all important. Now we face another difficult derby and an improved performance from Wednesday is essential if our table topping tenure is to be extended.