Striker Emil Lyng admits the unwanted habit of conceding the first goal is in danger of killing Dundee United’s promotion hopes.
However, the fit-again Dane believes, starting with Saturday’s trip to Morton, the Tangerines can turn things round.
If, that is, they can start to strike first.
Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Inverness Caley Thistle means United have now surrendered the opener in an astonishing eight games in a row.
They have only won once in that run and even then, at Queen of the South a couple of weeks back, initially fell behind.
If that doesn’t change, Lyng knows involvement in the post-season games will be in serious doubt.
“We always concede the first goal. That’s a big knock every time we play.
“Tuesday was another game when we have conceded that first goal and that is a big knock when you are trying to win games.
“I would love to tell you what is wrong and why it happens but I really can’t.
“We are trying but when we concede a goal we just get this knock and cannot get back.
“The only thing that counts now is to just go and get the first goal against Morton. Then we can shut the back door and get the three points.”
What Lyng does know is every player at Tannadice is working hard to bring about the necessary improvement.
He doesn’t hide from the fact performances like the punchless display in the Highlands on Tuesday don’t help.
“It’s hard to put some words to it. We had a few games at home we were struggling in and then we’ve gone to Inverness and shown this.
“For the club and for the fans it’s so frustrating and very disappointing.
“We know the effort is there and we have quality, it is just a really tough period for us.
“Even if it does not look like it on the pitch at the moment, we really want this and we really want to take the team back up to the Premiership.
“But right now we cannot allow ourselves to talk about that because we need to be fighting for the play-offs.
“It’s a bad situation we are in just now but it is one we have put ourselves into.
“It is us who must make sure we get ourselves out of it.
“So, what we have to do now is stick together, all 25 players in the squad must.
“We must keep fighting for the play-off place we want and show the will to get back playing good football again.
“For me, personally, that will is totally there.
“We are just talking about going and winning the next game and that is what we must do.”
The one consolation for him right now is, after a month out injured, he is back and able to do his bit to help.
The spell on the sidelines, the result of a leg injury suffered in the defeat at Livingston at the end of February, was not enjoyable.
“I was enjoying playing when I came in the beginning but, unfortunately, I got this injury and it has set me back a bit.
“It was a hard knock on my foot but it twisted my knee as well and it was more or less my knee that kept me out for so long.
“It is always annoying sitting outside and watching the games, especially in this tough period.
“Now I am back in it again and I would love to change things and help the team.”
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.