Craig Levein was unimpressed by the performance against Saint Mirren yesterday afternoon, but was still happy that the final result went his side`s way.
Last weekend against Dunfermline, United put on a more impressive display, only to lose out to 2 late strikes from Greg Shields and Gary Mason.
This weekend, the points were more important than the performance, with a difficult trip to Easter Road next weekend which could give relegation contenders Motherwell, St Mirren & Dunfermline the chance to catch & overtake United in the league table.
Against St Mirren, it was a 64th minute header from Noel Hunt that was the only difference between the two sides, with the Buddies giving as good as they got for most of the match.
John Sutton was unlucky not to score, with several good chances, but United`s make-shift defence held firm and secured the 1-0 victory.
“What thrilled me was the we won the game & dug out a result that was ugly,” Levein told the BBC.
“Both teams were well organised, worked hard and were intent on stopping the opposition playing today.”
The result gave Dundee United their 3rd home win in-a-row, the first time that feat has been achieved at Tannadice since the start of 2004, but it is the 9 points out of a potential 12 which is most significant to new manager Craig Levein.
Although, late on St Mirren caused United a few anxious moments and threatened to grab a late equaliser through Billy Mehmet, but Derek Stillie was equal to the task in-hand.
Over the past few seasons it has been lapses in concentration that have cost Dundee United dear, losing late goals which have lost the club crucially important points in the fight against the dreaded drop to division 1.
Craig Levein has made it his priority to cut out these lapses in concentration & has started approaching the problem in the clubs training sessions.
He said, “One hundred percent effort and concentration is vital.”
“As I`ve already said, the performance against Dunfermline was OK, but we have to concentrate for 90 minutes.”
“That`s something we have been working on in training this week and we`ve been urging the players to take greater responsibility on the park.”
“They (St Mirren) are a decent, well-organised side and that`s something we`re striving for.”
Although, Levein was still happy that the supporters at least got something to cheer during the dull encounter, after sticking with the club through some difficult times over the past few seasons.
He said, “I am delighted for the supporters, because it would have been a kick in the teeth if we hadn’t seen out that game.”
|
i dont blame him for being unhappy, we were awful
needed to win that one.