Winning games has not been a problem for Dundee this season.
But winning games in a row has. And new manager Paul Hartley has tasked his players with changing that situation.
It is one out of one for Hartley after last week’s victory against Hamilton but the former Alloa boss has set his sights much higher.
He said: “There’s not been a run of form here in terms of winning three, four, five or six on the bounce. This is the time to do that.
“I’ve thrown them a challenge and said, ‘you’re at the top of the league, can you stay there?’
“This is the business end of the season. They are all cup finals from now on but it is vital you don’t look any further than your next game.”
Dundee make the trip to Dumfries to face a Queen of the South team which will be treating the fixture as their big chance to become genuine title contenders.
Hartley said: “They had a sticky start to the season but they’ve crept up. They’re really strong at home so we’re expecting a tough game.
“They’re in the mix and will feel that even more so if they get a result against us. But we want to try and push away from everybody else.
“The gap (to Queens) could be either closed to five or stretched to 11. I think my players should be looking forward to this match on the back of last week’s performance.
“The guys have worked really hard again this week. It’s a big one for us. They’re on a good run of form but hopefully we’ll be ready for them.”
This will be Hartley’s first away match as Dark Blues manager but travelling fans should not expect to see a drastically different approach to the one they got at Dens last Saturday.
He said: “At Alloa I played two different systems away from home we were more of a counter-attacking team. But I don’t see any reason why I would change too much here in terms of formation or personnel.
“I think the players here are suited to being on the front foot and trying to involve the full-backs going forward.
“You don’t want to set out a negative team, with negative thoughts. It’s about being positive from now on.”
Hartley revealed he is not yet at the stage of deciding whether he will be looking to supplement his squad with loan players.
He said: “We’re looking at things. I’m still getting to know players in terms of their strengths and weaknesses.
“If, after that, I think I need to bring in one or two then that’s what I’ll try to do.”
Hartley is thriving on the long hours and busy days in his new job.
“It’s been hectic but good,” he said.
“I’ve been in early in the morning and away late at night. It’s been non-stop. When I was at Alloa I didn’t see anybody during the day at the ground. It’s been good to be busy.
“I’ve been able to spend time with the youths and watch them play.”