Mixu Paatelainen urges caution despite win at St Johnstone
ByPA Sport
Published 03/04/2016 at 10:25 GMT
Mixu Paatelainen was quick to temper growing optimism in the ranks of Dundee United fans with a reminder that there is plenty work still to be done to engineer an escape from the Ladbrokes Premiership basement.
Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen saw his side grab a valuable win at St Johnstone
Image credit: PA Sport
Mixu Paatelainen was quick to temper growing optimism in the ranks of Dundee United fans with a reminder that there is plenty work still to be done to engineer an escape from the Ladbrokes Premiership basement.
But after a vital 1-0 win over bogey team St Johnstone, Tannadice fans have fresh cause for optimism in their fight to avoid relegation.
United doggedly defended Ryan Dow's scrambled goal, which got a helping hand into the net from St Johnstone keeper Alan Mannus, after going down to 10 men when a red card was shown to defender Coll Donaldson with 30 minutes remaining.
Manager Paatelainen knows the supporters could have a key role to play as they seek to rein in Kilmarnock, who are now just five points in front.
They are expected to follow their team in numbers for Tuesday's game in hand over Killie, against Partick Thistle in Glasgow.
Paatelainen said: "I don't know about momentum. There have been victories, draws and losses. But we picked up three points against St Johnstone and days like that are welcome.
"We do realise that Kilmarnock will win some points. I'm 100 per cent sure of that.
"They are five points ahead of us so we just have to look after ourselves. I don't think we will win every match between now and the end of the season.
"There will be swings in this race but it makes it very interesting.
"We know what we can do. We can hurt opponents, we know we can score goals and the clean sheet against St Johnstone was more than welcome. That was absolutely tremendous.
"Hopefully we can keep this kind of form going, as we have for a couple of months. That gives us hope.
"It has been a roller-coaster ride already and you never know what is round the corner. But one thing is for sure the players have a tremendous attitude.
"They have got enough to survive. Of course you need a little bit of luck as well.
"I'm not surprised by the fans. They are superb. They have followed us everywhere and give us fantastic support. They are really important for us."
United can close the gap on Killie to just two points with a win over Thistle.
Paatelainen said: "It won't be easy. After this victory it makes the Partick game even more important."
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright could do United a with the Perth side potentially still needing a point from their trip to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park to cement their top six status.
But Wright faces an injury crisis as s kipper Chris Millar limped off early against United with a hip injury and Murray Davidson suffered a hamstring strain.
Substitute Craig Thomson required hospital treatment after the game for a suspected fractured shoulder bone.
Wright, who felt Saints were denied two penalties, said: "We gave them a platform and their goal should have been dealt with better at various points.
"We put them under pressure but didn't work their goalie enough. We stopped passing it and played into their hands.
"We have enough players in the squad to deal with the injuries and go to Kilmarnock and get a result."
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