Bell's League Division 1

New Douglas Park, Hamilton,

31st December 2005

Report by Gilbert Mowat

Accies lost further ground in the promotion race with this lacklustre performance against Dundee at New Douglas Park. With defences on top throughout, it took Accies until the 70th minute before they had their first shot on goal and only one shot on target in the whole game. After 22 consecutive matches, this was the first time Accies had failed to score since August.

With Mark McLaughlin able to return after injury, the only change made by Billy Reid was to bring Paul McMullan in for the injured Scott Tunbridge. New signing Rudy Torres was in the stand and told the writer that he was very happy to be at Accies and looking forward to making his debut against Airdrie United on Monday.

The first half was far from the most exciting periods of football at the stadium this season. Accies had the majority of the early possession but it was the visitors who were creating the chances. Dave McEwan was slow to comer off his line for a cross after 8 minutes but the Dundee player's header drifted harmlessly wide of the unguarded goal. Dundee also had a couple of shots that were off target, although McEwan made an excellent save after 37 minutes when a shot was deflected towards goal. As half time approached, it was the visiting team that were in the ascendancy, with Accies unable to force anything close to resembling a save from the Dundee 'keeper.

The second half was just as depressing as the first period, with some neat football from both sides but precious little in the way of goalmouth action. There was the occasional flash of skill from players like Brian Carrigan and Alex Neil, but the Accies forwards were unable to make anything of the service provided to them. Things brightened up with the introduction of Mark Gilhaney and James McArthur for Graeme Jones and Paul McMullan but it still took until the 70th minute before Accies had their first shot; a speculative effort from Gilhaney that went well wide. Just a minute later, Brian Carrigan fired in a direct free kick that was easily saved by the Dundee goalie.

At the other end, Dave McEwan did well to keep out a point blank effort in the 77th minute and as the game progressed Accies got sucked further into defence. But there were to be no goals and the final whistle was met by a mild chorus of boos from the disgruntled home support.

Best for Accies were John Robertson and Mark McLaughlin at the back and Alex Neil and Brian Carrigan in midfield. But this was a game that everyone who attended will want to forget very quickly. If Accies are to mount any kind of serious challenge at the top of the table some major strengthening will be required.

Hamilton: McEwan, Robertson, Thomson, McLaughlin, Ferguson, Neil, MacKenzie, Fleming, McMullan (McArthur 61), Jones (Gilhaney 53), Carrigan.

Subs Not Used: Stevenson, Hodge, Jellema.

Dundee: Murray, Robertson, Mann, Calum McDonald, Dixon, Kevin McDonald, Anderson (Brady 75), Smith, Robb, Craig (Lynch 46), O'Reilly.

Subs Not Used: McCluskey, Deasley, Kelly.

Booked: Robb.

Att: 1,533

Ref: I Fyfe

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