A manager who must remain nameless, once told me that a routine league match was a “massively massive game”.
The hyperbole may have been misplaced on that occasion but it could have accurately described what Saturday’s fixture against Kilmarnock meant to Dundee United.
Even manager Mixu Paatelainen admitted on Friday that a defeat to the Ayrshire side would have made it almost impossible for the Tangerines to avoid automatic relegation this season.
However, a clear-the-air meeting earlier in the week, firstly between the players themselves, then involving the big Finn, appeared to pay dividends on Saturday.
There was a noticeable increase in tempo from the United players and they never gave Kilmarnock a minute’s peace.
That was personified by the tireless Simon Murray, who partnered Billy Mckay up front.
Blair Spittal was also impressive and special mention must go to skipper Sean Dillon. All too often in this season of woe, the skipper has been the man chosen for the unenviable task of facing the press after another bad defeat.
So it was fitting that a week which began with him calling the players’ meeting ended with the popular Irishman scoring his stunning goal and being able to speak about a priceless win.
The situation United are in is still very bleak but Saturday’s victory, and the manner in which it was achieved, has at last provided a glimmer of hope that they can pull off the sort of great escape Harry Houdini would have been proud of.