DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
The somewhat less impressive start to the month of April - a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Aberdeen at Pittodrie - served to dampen spirits slightly at the Manager of the Month award ceremony.
Although the scoreline flattered the Dons in many respects, Smith was not prepared to make excuses. "In the first half, we did not defend properly - and I mean the team as a whole, not just the back four. I was very disappointed the way we lost the goals and I honestly thought I'd seen the back of such slackness for this season. But the second half change of tactics brought about a vast improvement and it was one of these games where with a break or two we could have fought back to get a result. However, it may give the players a kick-up the backside after such a good spell, and will further remind them that a lot of work is still needed to ensure SPL safety."
On the plus side, there were no serious injury concerns after the Pittodrie clash, and Jim Hamilton, who missed the game with an achilles problem, should be ok for Saturday's home meeting with Hearts.
Although the scoreline flattered the Dons in many respects, Smith was not prepared to make excuses. "In the first half, we did not defend properly - and I mean the team as a whole, not just the back four. I was very disappointed the way we lost the goals and I honestly thought I'd seen the back of such slackness for this season. But the second half change of tactics brought about a vast improvement and it was one of these games where with a break or two we could have fought back to get a result. However, it may give the players a kick-up the backside after such a good spell, and will further remind them that a lot of work is still needed to ensure SPL safety."
On the plus side, there were no serious injury concerns after the Pittodrie clash, and Jim Hamilton, who missed the game with an achilles problem, should be ok for Saturday's home meeting with Hearts.
