Scottish football has seen this movie before, but perhaps in a season that has brought much surprise there will be a different ending to Hamilton’s great escape.
In spite of their domination yesterday, lady luck was not smiling on Brian Rice’s side who could not capitalise on a plethora of chances.
In a frantic match, a mistake was the difference. Marc McNulty took advantage of a slack clearance from Kyle Gourlay early on and that foothold was enough to earn his side a win on their third attempt at the FOYS stadium this season.
“A great win, another clean sheet, first time we’ve won on 4G for a long time. Pleased that we now know we’re going to play in the Scottish Premiership this season,” Mellon said after his side mathematically secured their status in the top flight.
“We’ve got a valuable three points on the road, we’re finding ways of winning now even when we don’t believe we’re playing [with] the style we want to sometimes.”
While there was no impending threat of relegation for the visitors, Mellon had reiterated his expectation in midweek that his side would ‘set the standards’ in spite of their opponents having far more weighing on a win. McNulty’s goal after six minutes certainly qualified that desire.
The visitors were ruthless in exploiting a mistake from stand-in keeper Gourlay, who scuffed a clearance into the path of Jeandro Fuchs. The midfielder slipped in McNulty and he finished cutely over Gourlay who could not make amends for his error.
After a poor run of results over winter, United have settled on a system and found a starting 11 that suits them, and their early goal was followed by a good spell. Slick interchanging in the middle of the park coupled with McNulty and Lawrence’s Shankland flourishing partnership had them in the ascendency.
But Hamilton’s need for a result was palpable and once they found their stride United struggled to exert their earlier rhythm. Every loose ball was hounded after and each missed opportunity met with a mixture of frustration and anxiety.
Scott McMann was the hosts’ standout player and he saw two shots destined for the net beaten to safety by the dependable Benjamin Siegrist. Hakeem Odoffin sent a diving header narrowly wide and Kyle Munro also saw a fierce strike well saved before the interval which came at the right time for United. Despite the visitors early dominance, they could not have begrudged Hamilton a half-time lead if they’d taken their chances.
Their dominance continued into the second half and Siegrist was called upon moments after the restart to make a smart stop from Ross Callachan, Munro and Ronan Hughes also missed clear headers before Odoffin was denied.
Results elsewhere mean Rice’s side are just two points adrift at the bottom and for all of yesterday’s frustration, 27 shots does spell encouragement with four cup finals remaining to stay in the Premiership.
“The only thing that was missing today was a goal. We done everything bar score I believe, put the ball into good areas, [had] efforts at goal,” Rice reasoned.
"Sometimes it goes for you sometimes it doesn’t, but I couldn’t be any more proud of them than I am today. I thought today was the best we’ve played all season, I’m hoping we can carry that into the derby match [against Motherwell].
What is a certainty is that his side are well acclimatised to the pressurised terrain of an end of season relegation fight. No-one would be surprised if come May, the great escape follows its scripted ending.
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