It had been a dream season for Ayr United up until only a few weeks ago.
They were riding high at the top of the Scottish Championship, with Lawrence Shankland banging in the goals.
However, an injury to Shankland has lead to a series of poor results, culminating in the 1-0 Scottish Cup loss to non-league Auchinleck Talbot.
Now the Honest Men must bounce back in Friday night’s vital league clash against Dundee United.
The game is huge for both sides, as the duo sit 3 points behind league leaders Ross County.
The last meeting between the teams saw Ayr win 5-0 at Tannadice, with Shankland helping himself to 4 goals.
Ayr manager Ian McCall has done a superb job this season, and his team have the chance to emulate Livingston in winning promotion two seasons in a row.
But he must be concerned about the loss of form since Shankland’s injury, which has saw Ayr lose their place at the top of the league.
That’s why a win over a fellow title chasing side would be a huge statement for Ayr.
It would show that they have recovered from the humilation of losing to Auchinleck Talbot.
A defeat to Dundee United though, would leave more questions than answers.
If ever a match could define a team’s season, it’s this one.