SENTINELCELTS

As tests go, that was one of our sternest yet. The commentator described the game as difficult as he was exactly right, it was obvious from ten or fifteen minutes in the three points were not coming easily.
It was going to take some digging deep, some grit and determination to best that Motherwell team,,our bhoys were equal to the task. The usually are these days.
 
The ‘Well team worked their absolute socks off, are clearly properly drilled, and we’rent overawed by the occasion one bit. They attacked in numbers and with a degree of confidence. It’s no surprise whatsoever to see them in the upper half of the league table.
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However we needed those points, they were coming home by hook or by crook. As a team it’s important for the group to know they have the ability to eek out wins like yesterday’s,,as supporters it should provide more belief in the group.
 
The points were huge on many levels, we dont to be the ones to flinch during this tough festive fixture list, and given the Higgins related silence and the own goal of Kyogos injury, the very last thing needed would have been dropped points heading into Cup Final week.
Wins like that show our fortitude, and it’s hard wins like that help make Champions.
 
Clean sheets are becoming a real habit, they also help deliver titles. That’s three in a row, aiming for a fourth at Ross County isn’t unreasonable. There’s a quality spine at the rear with Joe and CCV oozing quality, they’ve transformed our rearguard into a lean machine.
 
Tam is fast becoming undroppable, I didn’t see that coming two years ago. His form had been overshadowed by newer players, but he’s our talisman at the moment. A big game player I would be sorely tempted to rest him midweek, and hope he delivers magic at Hampden.
That’s a few priceless goals this campaign, thank goodness we never let him go cheap a few years ago.
 
Domestically three away games in a row is rare but that’s our immediate future. Every week both of the league leaders fail to drop points simply helps make the upcoming top of the table clash more intriguing. The current Champions will clearly hope to extend their lead to seven points this weekend, meaning the derby clash offers a double digit advantage should they best us. Along with the refs that would be a formidable challenge I admit.
 
We can’t afford to worry about that, and must handle our business at hand. Games in hand aren’t ideal, they bring a different type of pressure, but we must believe the positive aspects of a possible cup win and incoming transfer targets shall help overcome any nerves at the gap widening.
Ange and the support must stay focused and stay calm if we fall more points behind in the table.
 
We are on the right path, of that there’s little doubt. The sieve is almost a memory, goals coming from everywhere, and test after test gets passed. It’s chalk and cheese from where we were this time last year.
Ange might have been unknown, but he’s the breath of fresh air we were crying out for.
No matter where the title ends up this time, we should be happy to have him.
 
Ref-watch,,,
Where do they find them?
22nd minute a textbook yellow card offense only results in a talking to. A cynical foul to stop a break is a yellow to every other whistler out there, it’s becoming a bad habit that’s now subjective in the SPL.
He did find time to hear and book their manager when a chat would have done.
He appeared not to know the actual rules during a late corner, and missed a couple blatant deflections that should have been corners.
Overall he was poor. The usual then.

By Mahe