Deflated after that second half

That first paragraph says it all: gutted and a bit stunned. The first half gave us hope — a few bright moments, two great Chermiti finishes and players like Rommens and Moore standing out. But the second half felt like we took our foot off the gas and handed the initiative back. It’s the kind of collapse that leaves the whole season feeling fragile.

Why the second half hurt

To be fair, teams can look different after the break, but we made it too easy. Celtic had time to work out their best eleven against us and they’ll head into the next meeting with confidence. There was a clear drop in intensity from our side — fewer presses, less urgency in transitions and too many loose moments defending crosses and set pieces. After an initial hot spell under Scott fry, the recent form from dead-ball situations has dipped and it showed at critical moments.

Players who caught the eye — and those who didn’t

Rommens and Moore were proper positives in the first half. Sterling looked lively early on against Maeda, though Tounetki seemed to get the better of him after the interval. Naderi’s energy is welcome; he throws himself about and gives us something different, even if you wouldn’t bank on him being our main goalscorer yet. Chermiti did what strikers should do — finish chances — but the second half anonymity and lack of support was worrying.

Selection thoughts and the road ahead

Right now I’d leave Olsen out. I’d try Bajrami if Antman is still unavailable and would consider Diomande over Raskin for more physical presence. The run-in isn’t kind — Tynecastle, Celtic Park and possibly Fir Park still to come — and if Motherwell take their game in hand we’re in a tight spot. Realistically, the margin for error is tiny. We need a response next week: more legs, smarter set-piece defending and a sharper, sustained tempo for the full 90 minutes.

Written by jv1: 12 March 2026