Lay off the boos, will you?

As Lance-Corporal Jones used to say in Dad's Army, "Don't Panic!"

One shockingly heavy home defeat by Motherwell certainly made for a depressing afternoon and a right good slagging at the office today. But it doesn't constitute a crisis.

Look at the facts. One defeat in 19 games before Sunday. Through to the semi-final of the CIS Cup. Unbeaten in four games against the Old Firm. Playing the best football we've seen in a decade. Attendances at Tannadice rising and the feelgood factor spreading.

That's why I couldn't believe the people who booed United off the pitch at half-time and some of the ridiculous abuse certain players were getting from the loudmouths. OK, so we were 3-0 down and some of our defending was a joke. But put it in context.

The game was a bit surreal. For 20-odd minutes we looked very comfortable and Warren Fenney had a couple of great chances to put us ahead. If we'd scored, I'm sure we would have gone on to record another routine win.

But we didn't and instead we self-destructed and Motherwell found their shooting boots. Lukasz Zaluska kept passing the ball out to defenders who didn't have time or space to deal with it. Sean Dillon kept passing to the opposition. Scott Robertson and Willo Flood kept getting caught in possession. Garry Kenneth and Lee Wilkie were all over the shop and Craig Conway seemed to be attached to a piece of rope that prevented him from going down the wing.

That's the point. After Motherwell's goal, virtually our whole team were absolutely awful. I'd give Morgaro Gomis pass marks, but even the subs failed to turn it on. Danny Swanson got caught for the fourth goal and Francisco Sandaza, running in on goal, managed to sclaff the ball with his standing foot out for a goal kick.

It was just a very, very bad day at the office. We musn't forget the amazing progress we have made under Craig Levein. And sometimes we have to repay what he and the players have done by backing them when it's not going well.

I'll be cheering extra-loud when the boys run out on to the pitch against St Mirren on Saturday. We need a
win to get us back in the groove before the semi against Celtic and then a trip to Ibrox.

With Aberdeen on a fantastic run and Hearts still looking consistent, it's going to be a real battle for third.

Keep the faith.