One step forward, two steps back. That just about sums up Dundee United’s last two results.
The draw at Kilmarnock was warmly welcomed even if the point was secured against a team that played for a large part of the game with just 10 men.
The hope from a Tangerine viewpoint had to be that having stopped a run of four defeats on the bounce, the team would build on that albeit shaky foundation when they played Partick at home on Saturday.
Instead, it was an all too familiar story with the home side struggling to fashion chances and then paying a big price when the Jags struck with their first attack of the match.
United did at least make a game of it after conceding but at no stage was the Thistle goal under concerted pressure.
Injury was also added to insult with Florent Sinama Pongolle, who was hugely impressive at Rugby Park, having to come off after just 10 minutes while Guy Demel, on his debut, tired just before the hour mark and also had to be replaced.
The gap between the Tangerines at the foot of the Premiership table and the teams above them is now starting to look frightening.
Boss Mixu Paatelainen has already added to his squad but there is no doubting that he has to be given further funds to strengthen in the January window Ross County showed last season that a seemingly desperate situation can be turned around with the right additions.