Accies maintained their four point lead at the top of the league with this win against Livingston at New Douglas Park. Tony Stevenson led the way with a goal direct from a free kick after 7 minutes, but it took second half goals by Livi 'keeper Colin Stewart and a fine header from Mark McLaughlin to make the game safe. Robert Snodgrass pulled one back a few minutes later but the result was never in doubt by that stage.
Hamilton Accies 3 Livingston 1
Irn Bru League Division 1
New Douglas Park, Hamilton
Saturday 23 February 2008
Manager Billy Reid made a couple of changes for this game. Bryn Halliwell was dropped to the bench, with Tomas Cerny taking his place between the sticks. Right back Tom Parratt wasn't fit, so Tony Stevenson took his place. Skipper Alex Neil shrugged off the injury he sustained at McDiarmid park and occupied his normal No 10 shirt. Andrew Waterworth was missing from the bench due to a virus.
Accies got off to a good start and it was no real surprise when they opened the scoring after just 7 minutes. They were awarded a free kick wide on the left and Tony Stevenson's curling free kick was left alone by everyone until it hit Colin Stewart's net.
Accies seemed to retreat into their shell a bit after this and for long spells it was the visitors who simply played the better football. They were unable to score, however, with the crossbar coming to Tomas Cerny's assistance when Graham Dorrans unleashed a brilliant left footed shot that left the Accies 'keeper grasping at fresh air. There was another good chance when Robert Snodgrass was sent clear on the left side of the area. His low shot beat Cerny but was blocked back into Cerny's arms by David Elebert.
Accies did have some good attempts on goal themselves, with Tony Stevenson coming close to repeating his goal with another excellent free kick, Simon Mensing sending a low shot just past the post and David Graham bringing an excellent save out of Colin Stewart. Referee Stuart Dougal frustrated the Accies fans when he called back Richard Offiong when the Accies man was bursting down the right wing. Play was stopped so that Liam Fox could be cautioned for pulling Offiong's shirt, but the Accies management clearly felt that play should have been allowed to continue.
Accies were probably a shade fortunate to be ahead at the interval and Billy Reid made a change at half time, with Chris Swailes replacing the injured David Elebert. The Accies players had clearly been given a good talking to at the break as they reappeared with a fresh sense of purpose. Brian Easton began to take a more active role in the game and he was largely responsible for the game's crucial second goal 4 minutes after the break.
Receiving the ball wide on the touchline, he "nutmegged" one Livingston man before beating another as he advanced into the penalty area. He then cut the ball back to Richard Offiong, who flicked the ball goalwards. The ball was blocked near the goalline by defender Craig James, but he smacked the ball against his prone goalkeeper and the ball flew into the net. Accies celebrated in fine style, but the unfortunate Livingston goalkeeper Colin Stewart will have to be credited with an own goal for this one.
Accies had the scent of victory in their nostrils now and they went in search of more goals as the visitor's defence became more ragged. Their third goal came from an unlikely source, with Mark McLaughlin rising highest to head a pinpoint Tony Stevenson cross past Stewart.
This was the cue for Billy Reid to withdraw Alex Neil and replace him with James McCarthy. This was a sensible move as the skipper is now suspended for the next two matches. Accies clearly wanted to extend their lead further, but it was the visitors who scored the final goal of the game just a few minutes later, with Robert Snodgrass heading home from close range after some defensive howlers by the Accies players. This was the first goal Accies had conceded at home in over 1000 minutes of play; a new club record.
The game petered out a bit after this, although Richard Offiong probably should have scored when he was sent clear on goal by an exquisite pass. However, he was unable to get the better of Colin Stewart and the Livi 'keeper made an excellent diving save. He was soon replaced by James Grady and left the field to lengthy applause from the appreciative Accies fans.
Towards the end of the game, James McCarthy went down with a sprained ankle and was stretchered off. Accies therefore finished the game with 10 men and, as James was being carried around the park, another stretcher was brought on to take Livingston substitute Steven Craig off after he was injured as well.
This was a hard fought game against a good Livingston side that has provided Accies with their toughest opposition at New Douglas Park. There are many more difficult matches to come, but this was a good 3 points that could easily have been squandered.
Hamilton: Cerny, Stevenson, Easton, Mensing, Elebert (Swailes 46), McLaughlin, Graham, McArthur, Offiong (Grady 82), Neil (McCarthy 67), Gilhaney.
Subs Not Used: Gow, Halliwell.
Booked: McArthur.
Goals: Stevenson 7, Stewart 49 og, McLaughlin 64.
Livingston: Stewart, MacKay, James, McPake, MacDonald, Makel, Dorrans, Malone, Griffiths, Fox (Craig 55), Snodgrass, Craig (Weir 90).
Subs Not Used: Walker, Jacobs, Lunn.
Booked: Fox.
Goals: Snodgrass 70.
Att: 1,800
Ref: S Dougal
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