When Kilmarnock beat Rangers a few weeks ago Kenny Shiels said there was no point doing that if they then lost their next game. He's absolutely right - so while we've had a terrific Christmas basking in the joy and glory of the win over Rangers, that is now behind us. This is a whole new game for us to focus on, a whole new challenge, and we can't spend it thinking about just how wonderful it was to beat one of the Old Firm.
Overall 2011 hasn't been too bad from a Saints point of view. We had the traditional end of season relegation battle and once again managed to come out on top, then made some exciting summer signings and looked as if we'd be in for a great season. Things have slipped a bit recently but hopefully Saturday's victory is something we can kick on from rather than once again have to battle to beat the drop
This is the sort of game we should be looking to win if we want to continue with our aim of making the top six. Dundee United are still a good side, although aren't at the level they were when they won the Sottish Cup last year. They'll be trying to make the top six too so a win against our rivals for one of those coveted spots would be a real shot in the arm for our ambitions. It would also allow us to enjoy the last few days of the year.
Our recent record against Dundee United is actually surprisingly good. We drew against them earlier this season and also twice last season, winning the other meeting at Tannadice. What we really have to avoid against them is our old habit of conceding late goals. I've lost count of the number of times we've done that against them, twice even managing to turn a victory into a defeat! Rather more worrying is the fact we haven't beaten them at home since we returned to the SPL - you have to go back to that glorious April night in 2001 when Ricky Gilies scored in stoppage time for a win in Paisley over the Arabs. Even then we still got relegated.
Danny Lennon produced another odd team selection at the weekend but it worked, David Barron excelling in the Jim Goodwin role and Aaron Mooy scoring our equaliser. It would be harsh on either of them if they were dropped, however it was only Mooy's second game since May and he might not be able to get through enough of the game. Hugh Murray did well when he came on for the Aussie, but that was when the ship needed steadying, so someone like Nigel Hasselbaink or Gary Teale could replace him.
It was also Lee Mair's first game since injury, but as he'd only been out for a couple of games he should be OK for this one against one of his many former clubs. Aside from his goal-costing mistake, Marc McAusland was fairly solid against the champions, while David van Zanten was outstanding at rightback. Then there was Paul McGowan who put in a terrific shift - hopefully some more Duracell batteries have been found and he can be ready again for another hard working shift! Steven Thomson is fit but will likely remain on the bench, with Jim Goodwin suspended and Darren Mcgregor injured.
Dundee United have spent the last few seasons going on cup runs, making Europe and occasionally challenging the Old Firm. They've gone from battling for Europe to battling for the top six at the moment, which is enough to see the pressure increase on Peter Houston. It's completely unfair as the spine of their team was ripped out during the summer thanks to David Goodwillie being sold and several other players leaving on Bosmans. Few managers would be able to cope in that situations, especially when they're having to scrabble around the free agents for players, so he's doing a decent job in the circumstances.
The problem is it's likely to happen again come the end of the season. Garry Kenneth already plans to do one, the big defender believing he can get himself a gig down south. It wouldn't be a surprise to see fullback Paul Dixon go either, while clubs have been sniffing around midfielder Scott Allan ever since he turned down a new contract earlier in the season. They may leave in January if United choose to cash in, but for now we have to cope with them.
They're not the only players we have to worry about. Danny Swanson has never failed to impress me, while Jon Daly has an annoying knack of scoring against us and now seems to have put his injury problems behind him. Johnny Russell has been playing alongside him and has done well, with Fulham youngster Lauri Dalla Valle also chipping in with a few goals. Then there's John Rankin, who is capable of producing a squiggler or two when the mood takes him. Scott Robertson and Willo Flood are also dangerous, the latter having scored a cracker against us a few years back.
Despite the summer departures, United still possess a strong defence. Dusan Pernis - who amused us all when Jim Spence interviewed him on his arrival a few years ago - is a reliable keeper with Keith Watson and Sean Dillon also doing well in the backline. Barry Douglas, who we tried to sign a few years ago, has done well since stepping up from Queen's Park and is probably the ideal replacement for Dixon if he decides to leave.
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