Accies were knocked out of the CIS Insurance Cup on Wednesday night when they were defeated 3-1 by Dundee United at Tannadice. Noel Hunt was the man who did the damage, with three well taken goals from crosses by man of the match Barry Robson. Richard Offiong kept Accies in the game with a second half penalty but it was the home side who moved into the semi final draw.
Dundee United 3 Hamilton Accies 1
Tannadice Park, Dundee
Wednesday, 31st October 2007
CIS Insurance Cup Round 4
The record books will show that this was a comfortable win for the home side. While it's hard to argue with the scoreline, this was a game in which Accies acquitted themselves really well. Manager Billy Reid kept the same team that had narrowly defeated Morton at the weekend, which meant that David Elebert was left out. The home side started at a cracking pace and it was no real surprise when Noel Hunt opened the scoring after only 10 minutes. The goal was created by skipper Barry Robson, who sent a deep cross over to the far side of the goal and Hunt's looping header gave Bryn Halliwell no chance.
For long spells in the first half, it was Halliwell who prevented Accies from being on the end of a real hammering. United manager Craig Levein reckoned after the game that his side surpassed their performance against Rangers 4 days earlier and that no-one would have argued against his team being 5 or 6 goals ahead at the break. That was a bit of an exaggeration, but they did give Accies a really hard time before the break. Halliwell made several excellent saves and Margaro Gomis was unlucky to see his terrific shot rebound from the crossbar.
Accies got more into the game as the half wore on and both Mark Gilhaney and James McArthur fired shots over the bar after good build-up play. Billy Reid made a change after half an hour, with teenage defender Grant Evans being replaced by James Gibson. This improved things a bit for Accies but they still found it hard to get forward before half time. It seemed that the United players were able to read the game very well and suss out the Accies moves as they developed. Richard Offiong had a good attempt on goal just before the break but goalkeeper Szamotulski did well to tip his shot around the post.
United were certainly good value for their lead at the break, but it seemed like a different Accies team that took to the field after half time. This was more like it. James McCarthy, James McArthur and Alex Neil began to take charge of the midfield and the home team were pinned back for long spells. However, although Accies found it hard to create decent chances the United central defensive pairing of Lee Wilkie and Darren Dods were given a difficult evening. Chris Swailes came very close to scoring but he shot just over the bar from about 10 yards out.
A goal didn't really look likely for Accies but it wasn't for want of trying. Then, with 77 minutes gone, Accies were caught out by a counter attack from the home team. This time Barry Robson broke clear on the left and fired over a superb cross that Noel Hunt headed past Halliwell. Accies were undaunted and they didn't let their heads go down. A couple of minutes later an attack led to a careless handball by Prince Bauben and Richard Offiong fired the ball home for his 10th goal of the season.
Accies pressed again for the equaliser that their second half play merited, but were caught on the break by a third, killer goal, that was almost a carbon copy of the second. Again, Barry Robson was the provider with the cross from he left and again it was Noel Hunt who shot home from close range. Accies tried their hardest to get back into the game but it was not to be.
While any defeat is naturally disappointing, this was an extremely creditable showing from Accies, particularly after the interval. Bryn Halliwell had possibly his best game for Accies in goal, while Chris Swailes and Mark McLaughlin put in a heavy shift in front of him. However, there can be little doubt that it was the "James Gang" of Messrs McCarthy and McArthur who impressed most for Accies. They gave everything and did not look out of place in exalted company. Both players did receive treatment from Avril Downs during the game so there may be doubts over their fitness for Saturday.
Finally, Accies were well backed by an enthusiastic and healthy travelling support. Long may it continue.
Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Kalvenes, Flood, Bauben, Gomis (Kerr 81), Robson, Hunt, Jordan Robertson (Robb 82). Subs Not Used: McLean, Daly, Kenneth.
Goals: Hunt 10, 77, 85.
Hamilton Academical: Halliwell, Evans (Gibson 32), Swailes, McLaughlin, Easton, Winters (Wake 75), McArthur, Neil, McCarthy (Taylor 87), Offiong, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Cerny, Stevenson.
Goal: Offiong 79 pen.
Att: 4,567
Ref: M McCurry
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