The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Thomson strike sees Pars net three points
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 1 INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE 0
Former Celtic midfielder Joe Thomson fired home only his second goal of the season as Dunfermline overcame the challenge of Inverness to finally give the recently-appointed management team of Stevie Crawford and Greg Shields their first victory since taking charge at East End Park.
Thomson, who fired home the only goal of the game early in the second half to sink the Highlanders, acknowledged afterwards that he is now looking to add to his meagre two goal tally as he and his team-mates battle to force their way back into play-off contention.
“I know I’ve not been scoring enough” he said.
“I’m the sort of person who looks to get my name on the scoresheet so it’s been a bit frustrating for me lately but it was good to get a goal today.
“It was also great to get a first victory for Stevie and Greg. We’ve been playing well lately but haven’t been getting too many breaks but we got a break today with the goal.”
Thomson’s 47th minute strike provided a great example of his strength and determination.
He battled his way past a series of Caley defenders on the edge of the penalty box as he tried to line up his shot and, just as it appeared he had been forced away from the danger area, he unleashed a venomous angular drive which completely deceived Mark Ridgers in the Inverness goal, leading to speculation there had been some sort of deflection.
“There was no deflection” said Thomson.
“There was a bit of movement from the ball after I hit it and I think the keeper felt it was going in a different direction and it just went past him.”
Thomson’s strike came after an uneventful first half in which neither goalkeeper was tested to any great extent but the Pars moved up a gear after taking the lead and almost increased their advantage on the hour when Aidan Connolly sent in a powerful volley which crashed off Ridgers’ crossbar.
The visitors finally sprang into life during the closing stages with Ryan Scully making his first save of the game six minutes from time when he tipped over a well-struck free-kick from Joe Chalmers.
The result has eased, to some extent, Dunfermline’s concerns about being dragged towards the periphery of the relegation zone but the three points gained has also left them within striking distance of fourth placed Inverness, reigniting hopes of potential involvement in the promotion dogfight.
“We played a different shape today and it was a great team performance,” continued 22-year-old Thomson.
“Everyone worked hard and our two new signings, Bruce Anderson and Ryan Blair, both played very well.
“There’s good competition for places in the squad right now.
“We’re not where we want to be at present and we didn’t see ourselves being in this position at the start of the season but if we keep putting in performances like we did today then we won’t be far away.”