The Stomp - Refreshingly bright start

Statistically we're sitting with only two league points but that statement only tells a small part of the story. A hard earned extra time league cup win at Dingwall sets us up with our biggest game in years next week, and our two league points have been against some form clubs and haven't been undeserved.

Performancewise we look fairly robust. Our goalie is inspired. Robbo was unbeatable this week. Smyth looks much improved back in the first division than he did last time around. Bobby Donnelly is a big, rugged ball winning defender who seems to be able to get on the end of everything thrown at us.

The main question of the defence is who to partner him. Nixon has been the man so far, but, we noticably improved against Dundee when he went off injured. That may have had a bit to do with the midfield chemistry though so it will be interesting to see what changes are made this week coming. Thing is too, Nixon needs experience to become experienced, so is it better to play him though any rough patches to let him learn and benefit us longer term? That's always a difficult choice to make. But that said, if we're better with McKenna in defence do you stick with him?

Matthew Hazely has been breath of fresh air. We all loved Lovering for his all action style but Paul's legs were gone. Hazely certainly doesn't have that problem, the only thing is his use of the ball. But surely that will be worked on, and as above, he'll surely need to work this out in games? That's a problem with such a young side.

Who couldn't possibly like our wingers too? But for all the sizzle, and they certainly sizzle, we'll still need some steak. Goals, crosses, set-ups, are all going to have to be there. MacDonald didn't start the season in 100% flying but could that have been to do with having such an open formation? Did having McLaughlin sharing the midfield burden help MacDonald? I think it did. I was an advocate of McKenna starting in midfield but I can see that there's an advantage to havign a natural midfielder in there. McLaughlin was driving us on, and trying to make things happen. My only concern is that he and MacDonald help us remain compact.

The last conundrum is the strikers. they've faired well against the lower league sides but failed to net against the stronger Division 1 defences. Is there a lack of midfield support and supply? I think there's a bit of that. But there's a lot to like about the way Di Giacomo and Lynch have started. Their movement is good, and both strikers are working furiously hard for the team. There is though a lot of faith in Noble's ability amongst the support so what do you do? Kenny Black obviously has his decisions to make but seems to be settled on Di Giacomo and Lynch, at least for now. And we haven't even seen Kevin Watt yet!

It's good to have a wee bit of competition. I've no doubts that the bright start will have a sting in the tail somewhere, but I feel there may be some pleasant surprises somewhere down the line too. The lack of experience is offset somewhat by some outstanding talent.

Dunfermline won't be easy. Names like Scott (not Scooby, the other one) Wilson, Scott Thomson, Andy Kirk (surely a candidate for top league scorer), Kevin Harper and Stephen Glass need no introduction. And don't forget former Diamonds Austin McCann and manager Jimmy McIntyre. Their 3-0 defeat of St. Johnstone at weekend should have the players alarms bells ringing. What motivation for our team?

Hearts were always our favourite opponents during the 90s. Two cup semifinals and some stirring league and cup performances against them probably still have their fans cringing at the sight of us. Times have changed though and it's impossible to know which Hearts we'll face. The Jeckyll and Hyde of Scottish, or Lithuanian, football will either be brilliant or farcical when we face them. They're packed with some fantastic players. Yogi Berra and Andy Driver are superb. Some of the unpronouncables look fantastic players on TV too at times but in our favour, there's always a chance of an implosion.

Lastly for now, Morton are always a big favourite of ours. There's always a crowd and atmosphere which is a very important factor as a fan. An old favourite Alan McManus is now their main man. But they have injury issues and are by no means unbeatable. Whether we're fit for them after beating Hearts in extra time and penalties I'm not so sure but it's a game to look forward to.

It's good to be back.

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