Dundee are back at the bottom of the Division One table after another trying day at Dens.
While they are still only eight points behind leaders Ross County, they are without a home victory in four attempts this season.
This was always going to be a season of transition for the Dark Blues, following on from the departures of Gary Harkins, Sean Higgins and, perhaps most importantly, Craig Forsyth, in the summer.
It is only now that the worth of those three players to the team is being truly shown.
The mettle Dundee showed last season when embarking upon a 23-game unbeaten run has been replaced by a nervousness, which, bizarrely, seems to kick in once they forge ahead.
It all started so well for Dundee on Saturday, as Matt Lockwood again showed his reliability from the penalty spot after Nicky Riley was hauled down by Marc Fitzpatrick inside the penalty area.
But from that bright and promising position they fell out of the contest, allowing Colin McMenamin too much space inside the box for the equaliser then backing off to such an extent that Rocco Quinn was able to pick his spot from fully 30 yards.
Graham Bayne, who was the subject of some ire from the fans, admits he is sick of seeing the team beguiled by the same failings but believes hard work is the only answer to their problems.
”It’s annoying because once again we have taken the lead and got nothing from the game,” said Bayne. ”At the moment we can’t score when we’re on top and we can’t defend a lead when we get one.
”We need to start taking the chances and we have to take responsibility. It probably is a psychological thing at the moment because it has happened too often. We are getting ourselves into decent positions but shooting ourselves in the foot.
”But I have no doubt we will come through it. It happens sometimes in football and the only way out is by hard work.”
Bayne added: “I can understand the fans’ frustration. They don’t turn up to see us get beaten, just like we are not going out there to lose. We are desperate to win matches for the fans and get away from the bottom of the table.
”I can understand why the fans have been critical I would be too if I was in their position. But all I can say is that the boys are working hard. There is a passion in the dressing-room to turn it round and we will come through.”
The one plus for Dundee was seeing Gavin Rae make his debut from the bench in the second half and Bayne, who played alongside him in his first spell at the club, reckons he will be a valuable addition.
He said: ”Gavin will be a great signing for the club. It says everything that he had much better offers in England but wanted to come back here.”
Boss Barry Smith admits nerves are getting the better of the Dark Blues.
He said: ”It’s frustrating because it’s the same mistakes again. We got our noses in front but the boys allowed themselves to become nervous.
”It is happening too often and I am trying to get to the bottom of it.”