2007-09-15 Stirling Albion

Accies stretched their lead at the top of the league on Saturday with a 4-0 demolition of Stirling Albion. Captain Alex Neil led the way with a goal from a long range free kick after 26 minutes to give Accies the advantage at half time. Second half goals by man of the match Mark Gilhaney, James McCarthy and Brian Wake sealed the win for Accies.

Hamilton Accies 4 Stirling Albion 0

New Douglas Park

Saturday, 15th September 2007

Irn Bru League Division 1

Accies extended their lead at the top of Division 1 with this fine display against Stirling Albion. With Billy Reid and Richard Offiong having been named as the League's manager and player of the month for August, there was never a danger that the alleged curse of such awards would have a negative effect on the team. While that did apply to Billy Stark and Gordon Wylde, there was never much chance of Accies succumbing to Stirling Albion. Accies were able to name an unchanged team, with the only difference being the inclusion of central defender Chris Swailes on the bench in place of James Gibson.

After the initial sparring, Accies gradually took charge of the game and were unlucky not to take the lead when a low shot from Richard Offiong trundled past the post with former Accies' 'keeper Myles Hogarth a virtual spectator. Offiong had the ball in the net shortly afterwards but his effort was ruled out for offside. Accies were not having everything their way and the opening goal did not arrive until the 26th minute of the game. It was a strange goal too, with Alex Neil whacking a free kick into the danger area and the ball ending up in the net. It looked as though James McCarthy and at least one other player got a touch, but the announcement at half time was that that the skipper had scored direct from the set piece. Richard Offiong was clearly delighted for his skipper as he first ran back to celebrate with him and then ran over to the referee to ensure he noted that it was Neil's goal.

Although there was only one goal before the interval, Accies played some really good football in the first period. James McCarthy was having an excellent game on the right side of midfield and one brilliant run took him clear of two Stirling defenders. He was left with only Myles Hogarth to beat but his attempt to pass to Offiong was thwarted. The game did get a bit heated at times, with Derek Lilley perhaps fortunate not to be ordered off for a scything foul on Brian Easton as the big Accies defender shielded the ball out for a goal kick. Paul Nugent and Nathan Taggart also fell foul of the referee before the break. The visitors didn't create much alarm in the Accies defence in the first half with their main threat coming from Chris Aitken's free kicks. These were cleared without too much fuss by the Accies defence, with Alex Neil rising to head clear a couple of times.

As a spectacle, the second half was a big improvement on the first. Mark Gilhaney really came into the game and he caused all kind of problems for the Binos defence. One brilliant cross from the left found the head of the inrushing James McArthur, but James's header hit the bar with Hogarth beaten. That was really unlucky for James as his weekly displays in the heart of the Accies midfield should be rewarded by more goals.

Stirling Albion nearly grabbed an unlikely equaliser when David McKenna went on a good run into the area. He turned inside David Elebert onto his left foot and looked certain to score. However, Bryn Halliwell made an excellent save. This was to prove to be the turning point of the game as Accies extended their lead shortly afterwards with a magnificent goal by Mark Gilhaney. Mark got the break of the ball about 30 yards out and lashed it over Myles Hogarth into the roof of the net. It was a fantastic strike and the stadium erupted. After the game, Mark refused to compare it with James McFadden's midweek winner in Paris, merely stating that it was the best goal he had ever scored.

Accies were on the rampage now and they got the all important third goal a few minutes later. This one was created by Mark Gilhaney on the left as he spun round to flick the ball between two Stirling players. That gave him the space to shoot and his powerful effort was blocked at the near post by Hogarth. Happily for Accies, it fell into the middle of the penalty area where teenager James McCarthy rifled it low into the net.

Accies were really on song now but the goals dried up for the next 25 minutes. Billy Reid took the opportunity to take of Mark McLaughlin after the big defender had suffered a knee injury. Chris Swailes took his place. David Winters came on after 74 minutes to replace James McCarthy and he slotted in really well. Richard Offiong was next to be subbed, with Brian Wake taking his place. All of these changes, plus a triple substitution by the visitors, took some of the excitement out of the game and Stirling nearly pulled a goal back with a cross-shot that just missed Halliwell's far post. James McArthur made another lung busting run into the area but sclaffed his shot well wide of the target.

Accies finally scored the fourth and final goal 5 minutes before the end when Brian Wake thumped the ball home from close range after a defensive error. That was to be the end of the scoring but not the last of the drama. Wake challenged Hogarth for a cross and the game was held up for a couple of minutes for the 'keeper to receive treatment. It became apparent that he could not continue and, with all of their substitutions having been made, it was left to midfielder Steven Bell to don the yellow jersey. Accies had a couple of chances after this, with David Winters shooting just over the top and Brian Wake's low shot being well saved by Bell. Brian could have "squared" the ball for one of his teammates but with no time left and Accies leading by 4 goals there were no complaints that he tried to score himself. That was the last kick of the game.

Best in the hoops were Mark Gilhaney, who gave perhaps his best display of the season. Richard Offiong tormented the Stirling defence and wa unlucky not to score his customary goal. James McCarthy showed that he's maturing and developing into the player we all suspect he can be. Alex Neil and James McArthur ran the show in midfield and tackled anything in a Stirling shirt. So it was a great team performance and Accies are now 4 points clear at the top of the table. Long may it continue.

Hamilton Accies: Halliwell, Parratt, Easton, Taylor, Elebert, McLaughlin (Swailes 64), McCarthy (Winters 74), McArthur, Offiong (Wake 79), Neil, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: McLeod, Cerny.

Booked: McCarthy, McArthur.

Goals: Neil 26, Gilhaney 56, McCarthy 60, Wake 85.

Stirling Albion: Hogarth, Nugent (McBride 64), Ellis, Reid, Graham, Aitken, Bell, Murphy (Easton 64), Lilley (Cramb 64), McKenna, Taggart. Subs Not Used: Hay, Christie.

Booked: Nugent, Taggart, Lilley.

Att: 1,749

Ref: C Richmond

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