Hamilton 24h on

The sixteen points were earned by the same arithmetic a year ago but there the similarities end. It is hardly surprising that we have not produced the flowing, sparkling form which was typical of last season's early form. We have different personnel and our opponents are aware of the potential threat.

The first cycle 2007/8

Despite not hitting top form we have exceeded the goals tally which we reached at the same stage twelve months ago. Then we scored eleven and conceded fourteen whereas our current statistics read sixteen for and sixteen against.

The first cycle 2008/9

We knew before a ball was kicked that the fixture computer had dealt Motherwell a difficult opening run of games and that it was likely that our points haul would have to come from the second half of the cycle, and so it proved to be.

Our three strikers share thirteen goals between them and with four wins from the last five we can go into the second cycle with some confidence. The main difference this season is that we don't have a 'Gretna' in this current championship. They were already adrift after eleven games last year but this time it is unlikely that the team which is at the bottom as the Ne'erdy bells ring will be certainties for relegation.

Hamilton have lost their early momentum and are now in a six game losing slump. They were in poor shape at Fir Park on Saturday and our neighbours need reverse the trend quickly if they are not to become detached at the foot of the table.

In summary our mid-term report can be summarised as 'a solid start but plenty of room for improvement'.