Ryan has a nose for a win

"We are hoping to get back to winning ways but you cannot take count on any game in the First Division as an easy game.

Back on the last Saturday in September, the Pars first trip to New Douglas Park since 2008 was concluded by a Ryan Thomson goal in 89 minutes. This time Ryan is hoping to play a little longer than the five minutes he got in that first match between the sides this season.

"We are hoping to get back to winning ways but you cannot  count on any game in the First Division as an easy game. Hamilton still have a lot of young players who are finding their game in the league."

Ryan was ideally placed to review that last match from the subs bench, he expanded:- "In the first half they had a few chances. Stevie May had a few chances and maybe should have scored but once we got ahead, we got hold of the game and we went on to win convincingly."

Games are not always like that claimed the 21 year old:- "At Livingston you could see how a game can change so easily when big Callum (Morris) got sent off. It can happen to anybody and can change a game quickly."

Ryan knows several of the Hamilton players and in particular the on loan Kilmarnock player, Gary Fisher.
"Obviously you want to win every game but this is one where when there is a pal in the opposition it is a wee bit extra."

Last Saturday also pitched Ryan against a former team mate in Stefan Scougall. His only snag while in the Dunfermline Under 19s was his slightness:-
"I knew that he was a good player when he was here and even on Saturday he looked as if he was a bit taller and able to use his body a bit more even though he didn't seem to be much stronger. I think he will go on to be a good player and its just a shame that he is still not at Dunfermline."

Training has been difficult this week as the wintry weather caused disruption again but Ryan knows from previous experience that there's little option but to get on with things. He is fit but still suffering from the broken nose inflicted at the beginning of the second half against Raith Rovers  four weeks ago:-
"It's not causing any bother other than looking terrible. I will have to deal with it when the letter comes through. It will need an operation at some point."

Equally sore and unsightly are the current circumstances off the park. Ryan kept his comments on that short:-
"Everybody is finding it tough at the moment, it is not just Dunfermline. We just need to work hard and concentrate on the football.