Scottish League Division 2, New Douglas Park, Hamilton
Saturday, 14 December 2002
Accies 1
Russell 2
Attendance 1062
Dumbarton 0
Report by Gilbert Mowat
Accies climbed three places up the league table with this narrow victory over Dumbarton. With Sean Sweeney both suspended and injured, young Craig Smillie was drafted into the centre of defence alongside Ian Dobbins and Mark Nelson.
It has to be said that these three guys were probably the key to Accies eventual success. With Dumbarton taking charge of midfield, particularly in the second half, they were unable to get any change out of the Accies defence. If anything, the only genuine weakness at the back was the poor performance of "Steady" Eddie Cunnington in the left wing-back role. He just didn't seem to get into the game - let's hope that this was just a blip.
Accies got off to a great start with a well taken goal by Allan Russell after just a couple of minutes. The ball was nodded into his path by Mark Keegans and Russell thumped the ball over visiting 'keeper Stephen Grindlay into the far corner from the edge of the box. That was the second week in a row that Accies had scored a very early goal. Unfortunately, like last week they were unable to increase on their early advantage.
Accies didn't create very many chances in the first half although they did play reasonably well. Eddie Cunnington found Stuart Callaghan at the back post with a deep cross from the left but Cal's header drifted wide of goal. Dumbarton's main tactic seemed to be to rely on the aerial threat of big Andy Brown in the middle. While the beanpole striker did get on the end of a couple of long throws, he was unable to threaten Graham Potter's goal. He didn't do much else in the game, and it was no surprise that he was replaced by Paddy Flannery after an hour.
As I mentioned earlier, if Accies had marginally shaded the first half then I think the second period really belonged to the visitors. They seemed to be camped in the Accies half for long spells and Graham Potter had to be alert to tip a couple of dangerous headers over the bar. From one of the corners, there was a bit of a scramble which ended with the ball hitting the base of Graham Potter's post before he could collect it.
The game hinged on a penalty incident midway through the half. One of the Dumbarton attackers was clearly bundled to the ground in the penalty area and the referee correctly awarded the visitors a penalty kick. Paddy Flannery had the chance to score Dumbarton's first ever goal at New Douglas Park but his powerfully struck spot kick clipped the top of the bar. Serves him right for wearing gloves!
The Accies defence did really well during this period of the game and gave Graham Potter some decent protection for a change. It could be that Craig Smillie's promotion from Hammy the Hamster duties has come at just the right time.
Accies did have some decent attacks in the second half. There were some great moments in the second half, none of which led to any more goals. Stuart Callaghan found Brian McPhee with a brilliant long through ball but The Bee was challenged a soon as he controlled the ball. Ian Dobbins (of all people) did a bit of showboating in the Dumbarton penalty box but the ball was scrambled away. Substitute Mahdi Elfallah won a great tackle to release Brian McPhee but McPhee's effort was saved. Best of all came near the end of the game.
Ally Graham dispossessed a Sons defender on the right wing before cutting into the penalty area. With Allan Russell screaming for the cutback, he decided to try to dribble his way around the entire Dumbarton defence. He nearly succeeded too, before being crowded out. It was a great chance for the lead to be doubled however.
Accies came even closer to extending their lead when a deep cross from the right was met full on the volley by Allan Russell about 12 yards out, but Grindlay did well to save. It looked for a moment as though a goalkeeping fumble would allow Mahdi Elfallah to get his first goal for the top team, but Grindlay hung onto the ball.
So it was something of a relief to see Accies collect three points from this game. While they are far from being ready to challenge for promotion, they indicated that they should be good enough to stay in the division. I thought the defence did really well and it was interesting that Ally Graham collected the match sponsor's man of the match award. He was everywhere and tried really hard. Not everything he does is brilliant but he's proving to be an invaluable member of the team.
The midfield is still a problem area for Hilly, however. I don't know if Jim Sherry simply isn't fully fit or if he's carrying an injury. But this was another poor game for the captain. Stuart Callaghan did reasonably well, as did Allan Russell. Up front, Mark Keegans still has a lot to learn but is still a marked improvement on (Big) Ally Graham. Brian McPhee had his usual good game and was rather harshly booked, presumably for committing just one foul too many for the ref's liking.
Dumbarton are a decent side, and you can see that they will continue to do reasonably well this term. So it was great to take three points from them. Let's hope the forthcoming run of matches (away to bottom club Cowdenbeath followed by three consecutive home matches) can be the foundation of a good season on the park for the club.
Accies: Potter , Nelson, Cunnington, Dobbins, Smillie, Graham, Sherry, Russell, Keegans (Elfallah 67), McPhee, Callaghan
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