Bell's League Division 1

New Douglas Park, Hamilton,

25th March 2006

Report by Gilbert Mowat

A season that started full of enthusiasm and optimism seems to be drawing to an unsatisfactory close. After last week's drab draw at Airdrie, Billy Reid brought in teenagers James McArthur and Scott Agnew for the injured Brown Ferguson and Marvyn Wilson. David Elebert continued at the back in place of John Robertson.

The only incident of any note in the first half hour came when Queens central defender Jim Thomson gashed his head in collision with Brian Wake. Thomson left the pitch with a nasty wound and had to be replaced. The game improved after this and Scott Agnew was unfortunate to see his chip shot clear the bar after being set up by an excellent jinking run down the wing by Mark Gilhaney. Accies carved out a couple of good chances within a few minutes, with Steven Thomson forcing Richie Barnard to dive to save his header after 33 minutes. Just two minutes late Brian Wake was left with only the Queens' 'keeper to beat but Barnard got down well to save.

The visitors decided to have a go at Accies after this period of pressure and Dave McEwan had to do well to keep out two excellent long range shots. The second was tipped around the post and the visitors took the lead from the resultant corner. It was swung over to the back post by Ryan McStay (on loan from Falkirk) and was diverted past Dave McEwan by Paul Burns, much to the delight of the noisy travelling support in the Spice of Life Stand. Queens caused real problems for Accies a few minutes after this after Alex Neil had been dispossessed in midfield.

As the half drew to a close there were a couple of near things at each end. First of all, Derek Lyle tried an audacious shot from the centre circle and it would have been a fantastic goal had it not been for a marvellous save by Dave McEwan. Then Scott Agnew fired in a low shot that deceived Barnard but just went the wrong side of the post.

The early part of the second period was very frustrating for Accies as chance after chance was squandered. A great cross from the left found Brian Wake in good position, but he mis-controlled the ball and the chance was lost. Juanjo had a good effort that was well saved by Barnard, Scott Agnew fired wide from 20 yards and then Juanjo shot wide after being set up by Brian Wake. It seemed already that this was not to be Accies' day and this may be why Billy Reid decided to make a change, with Brian Carrigan replacing Paul McMullan.

Accies were spending the majority of their time in the visitors half but Queens were to prove to be dangerous on the break. The ball was worked over to substitute John O'Neil on the right and he cracked the ball high past Dave McEwan to make it 2-0. This was the cue for a double change, with Scott Agnew and Brian Wake being replaced by Scott Tunbridge and Pat Keogh. The removal of Agnew was met with a chorus of disapproval from the Accies fans as the teenager had done well.

The introduction of Pat Keogh certainly helped things for Accies but they were to continue to be thwarted by Richie Barnard, who was having an inspired game. Accies still had the bulk of the ball, but they found it hard to make real opportunities with it. Mark McLaughlin started to move forward whenever he could and was very unlucky not to pull a goal back with 6 minutes remaining. He cracked the ball towards the top corner from 20 yards but Barnard made an outstanding save. Barnard was helped by his defence just a minute later, when he could only punch the ball towards his own goal line. Happily for him, one of his teammates was on hand to boot it clear. It was obvious at this stage that Accies were just never going to score.

There are very few positives to be taken from this game. There were some good performances and it was good for James McArthur, Scott Agnew and David Elebert to gain more experience. However, the game will also have helped Billy Reid and George Fairley decide upon which players they want to keep for next season. Queen of the South did not deserve to win the game, although it is hard to argue with the fact that they scored and Accies did not.

Hamilton: McEwan, Elebert, Thomson, McLaughlin, McArthur, Neil, Juanjo, Agnew (Tunbridge 67), McMullan (Carrigan 59), Gilhaney, Wake (Keogh 67). Subs Not Used: McJimpsey, Jellema.

Booked: McLaughlin.

Queen of South: Barnard, Paton, Aitken, Jim Thomson (Wood 26), Dillon, Burns, Lovell, Weir (Andy Thomson 73), Bowey, Lyle, McStay (O'Neil 54). Subs Not Used: Scott, Mullen.

Booked: O'Neil.

Goals: Burns 39, O'Neil 61.

Att: 1,409

Ref: C MacKay

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