Only a cruel cynic would suggest Dundee United’s players were already dreaming of Dublin when they took to the field at Ayr on Saturday.
So I definitely won’t be suggesting that.
Thoughts of a Christmas night out with the lads in the Irish capital and all the craic that goes with it had absolutely nothing to do with their performance at Somerset Park.
Rather, as it’s the season of goodwill let’s give the Tangerines a break.
The display can be kindly called bad and they didn’t seem able to string two passes together at times.
What seemed like straightforward balls to a teammate ended up as Ayr throw-ins, while nearly everyone seemed to lose count of the amount of corners the home team had – including United boss Ray McKinnon and opposition gaffer Ian McCall – although I counted 14.
You had to remind yourself that the visitors were actually in the lead.
However, what a result this was for United.
To play this poorly and not only avoid defeat but actually win the game is tremendously encouraging.
As the disgruntled Ayr fan sitting next to me in the stand muttered at full-time: “That’s what wins you leagues.”
Oh and if any of the United players have enjoyed themselves a wee bit too much in Temple Bar, they can pep themselves up by looking at stats that will tell them they haven’t lost for 12 matches now, 10 of which have been victories.
I’ll drink to that!
