Frustration can be a tougher opponent for a striker than any centre-half. It jeopardises judgment and compromises composure, causing even the most clinical of finishers to stray that extra few inches beyond the defensive line or snatch at chances.
The inability of a forward to frank his efforts with goals invites questions regarding his effectiveness, which further intensifies the pressure on an increasingly fraught individual.
Consequently, he tries to do everything - come deep to link the play, thread the defence-splitting pass, deliver the teasing cross and provide the finish - to the overall detriment of his performance.
Some, like Steven Fletcher, even try to take the throw-ins. Even that did not work for the Hibernian striker on Saturday, the ball slipping from his hands and dropping at his feet on one occasion.
Without plunder since mid-March - 14 competitive fixtures in total - the 21-year-old is in desperate need of a goal. Received wisdom suggests a sclaff off a shin is all that is required to reinvigorate the striker, whose mood can hardly have been helped last week by his demotion from the national squad.
Despite an array of exquisite touches and intelligent movement - as ever, some of his combination play with Dean Shiels was breathtaking - he was unable to end his drought in this defeat. He did ripple the rigging, nudging in a close- range header from a Shiels' cross, but the flag of Tom Murphy, the assistant referee, abruptly halted his relief-fuelled ecstasy. An elaborate attempted scissors-kick which skidded wide was his only other chance of note.
With strike partner Colin Nish having one of his hapless days, the burden on Fletcher was intense. Mixu Paatelainen, his manager, is endeavouring to ease the load by signing another striker before the closure of the transfer window this evening but refused to comment on suggestions Derek Riordan could return to Easter Road.
The homecoming of the beloved "Deeks" might ease some of the growing pressure on the Finn and Rod Petrie, his chairman, who was subject of the crowd's post-match ire after one win in 15.
"We're all feeling it," admitted midfielder Ian Murray. "But we've got to be thick-skinned. Obviously, the strikers are as frustrated as anyone but we've got a couple of games coming up that we can win, so hopefully we'll get back on track."
Motherwell have done just that, with this their first win of the season ahead of a month in which they face both halves of the Old Firm and Nancy in the UEFA Cup. Striker John Sutton, illustrating the importance of confidence, scored his second in two games to ensure the three points after a doughty defensive display.
David Clarkson, whose low ball into the box found Sutton loitering six yards out, has perhaps taken Fletcher's place in the Scotland squad and appreciates just how easily frustration can mount.
"This will give the boys a lift and it was important to get that first win," said Clarkson, who impressed in a deep-lying role despite the attentions of Murray. "Teams are going to try and stop us playing after how we did last season and when that happens you've got to work harder to make that wee yard of space and fortunately I did and managed to get the ball in for John to finish."
The visitors' alacritous counter attacking had been increasingly threatening, with a penalty claim turned down by Stuart Dougal, the referee, after Martin Canning seemingly pulled Chris Porter to the ground. However, Sutton quelled any debate and cheered manager Mark McGhee, who is set to add a defender - likely Slovakian internationalist Maros Klimpl - to his squad today.
"John's played against us plenty of times and scored into us in enough games so we knew he'd be a great signing," added Clarkson. "Two goals in two games is a great start and it's good to know we can rely on him to chip in."
How Fletcher, Paatelainen and Hibernian must wish they could say the same.
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