Accies climbed up to 3rd spot in the league when they defeated Clyde 3-1in a rearranged match at New Douglas Park on Tuesday night. Richard Offiong (left) was the main man for Accies with two excellent first half goals. Stevie Masterston pulled one back for Clyde with a superb free kick but Mark Gilhaney scored what was to be the final goal shortly afterwards to make it 3-1 for Accies at the interval.
Despite plenty of pressure from the visitors in the second half they were unable to reduce the deficit and Accies were able to claim joint top spot in the table, alongside Gretna, St Johnstone and Partick Thistle, although the first two clubs have superior goal difference.
The only downside to a good night for Accies were the injuries sustained by Mark Mclaughlin and Mark Gilhaney just before the break, which meant that they had to be replaced.
New Douglas Park
Tuesday, 17th October 2006
Hamilton Accies 3 Clyde 1
Accies climbed up to third spot in the league with this fine win against a battling Clyde side. The game took place following the abandonment of the original fixture in September, which ended prematurely following a career threatening injury to Accies defender Ross McCabe. Although this was a fine victory and it propelled Accies to the same points tally as the league leaders, it came at a cost, with both Mark McLaughlin and Mark Gilhaney having to be replaced before half time.
With the injury situation easing a bit, Alex Neil was restored to the heart of the midfield and Mark McLaughlin was able to start his second game in just 5 days. Marvyn Wilson was on the bench, but Derek Fleming and Scott Tunbridge missed out. Accies got the game off to a cracking start with a superb goal by Richard Offiong after just three minutes. The chance was created by David Winters, who sent an exquisite pass down the right wing towards Offiong. The big striker took control and breezed past two Clyde defenders before prodding the ball cheekily past Peter Cherrie in the Clyde goal.
Accies were completely in control of the game and it was no real surprise when they doubled their lead just before the half hour. Tony Stevenson sent a free kick into the area where it was headed on by Mark McLaughlin. The ball came to the unmarked Richard Offiong on the penalty spot and his back header deceived Cherry and the Clyde 'keeper couldn't keep it out.
Accies were coasting now but, as the previous match between the clubs showed, Clyde are not beaten when they're two goals down. Just 4 minutes later, the referee awarded a free kick to the visitors just outside the penalty area. With goalkeeper Raymond Jellema clearly expecting a cross, Stevie Masterton smashed a brilliant shot into the top corner at the near post. It was a bad goal for Accies to lose and it gave Clyde a real shot in the arm.
Happily, any thoughts of a Clyde revival were quickly nipped in the bud by another goal for Accies, which followed just a minute or so later. The goal was again created by David Winters, who slipped the ball wide to Mark Gilhaney inside the area and the youngster smashed the ball low past Cherrie from a difficult angle. Accies were clearly back in control of the game but they were to suffer a painful double injury blow after 41 minutes, when Mark McLaughlin and Mark Gilhaney both had to be replaced because of injury. Marvyn Wilson and Paul McLeod took their places.
If the first half had been hugely entertaining, the second period was a far more low key affair. The best effort on goal for Accies came when Richard Offiong's fine shot was well saved by Cherrie. Clyde almost grabbed a second goal but Masterton's powerful free kick was brilliantly turned around the post by Raymond Jellema. It seemed that Accies were well content with their two goal advantage and that the visitors weren't good enough to threaten it. The referee yellow carded five players, with Alex Neil and David Elebert the Accies men on the receiving end.
This was a good win for Accies and it took them to a decent position in the league. It was particularly gratifying to see Tom Parratt, Brian Easton and Tony Stevenson play well and they will be gaining confidence with every game. Alex Neil and David Winters took charge of the midfield and in Richard Offiong, Accies have unearthed a quick and talented striker. This is an Accies team that could challenge for the top prize if only they could cut down on the injuries sustained. But it was a good night for the club.
Hamilton: Jellema, Parratt, Elebert, Easton, McLaughlin (Wilson 41), Stevenson, McArthur, Neil, Winters, Offiong (Wake 88), Gilhaney (McLeod 42).
Subs Not Used: McCarthy, White.
Booked: Neil, Elebert.
Goals: Offiong 3, 29, Gilhaney 35.
Clyde: Cherrie, McGregor, Higgins, Harris (O'Donnell 72), Malone, Bryson, Masterton, Ryan McCann (McHale 46), Michael McGowan, Ferguson (Arbuckle 57), Imrie.
Subs Not Used: Miller, Hutton.
Booked: Harris, Michael McGowan, Imrie.
Goal: Masterton 33.
Att: 1,253
Ref: C Richmond
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