Heart of Midlothian 1 Accies 0

It was James McCarthy's 18th birthday on Wednesday but this game was to prove to be an unhappy night for the teenager. He played really well - as did the rest of the Accies team - but they were to lose out to a single, early goal by Hearts striker Christian Nade. Despite the result, Accies were arguably the better team on the night and confidence is still high within the Accies camp.

Hearts 1 Hamilton Accies 0

Tynecastle, Edinburgh

Tuesday, 12th November 2008

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League

Accies started the game reasonably well and Mark McLaughlin tried another of his audacious overhead kicks. This one came after James McCarthy headed an Alex Neil corner back across the goal but the big man's effort went just past the post. So it was really sickening when Accies lost the kind of early goal that they have been able to prevent this season. It was really simple and should have been avoided, with Christian Nade . Running onto a ball through the middle and tucking the ball under Tomas Cerny. For a moment, it looked like he had been thwarted by Martin Canning, but instead of lumping the ball towards Row Z, the Accies defender dithered and Nade got the reward for his strength and perseverance. There were thoughts at the time that the striker had been in an offside position, but Billy Reid confirmed afterwards that he was satisfied that the decision to award the goal was correct.

Naturally, the goal gave the home side a real boost and they swarmed over the Accies goal with half chances being created and scorned. Accies did what they could to get forward but Lucas Akins found it hard to get involved, with everything being taken care of the impressive Hearts defence. It was to be no great surprise that the teenager was replaced by Offiong at the interval.

Accies got more and more into the game as the first half progressed, with Mensing, Neil, McCarthy and McArthur beginning to gain in confidence and gradually take control of the flow of the game. However, despite the efforts of the excellent David Graham, chances were very thin on the ground and Hearts goalkeeper Balogh wasn't under too much pressure. Mark McLaughlin gave the Accies fans and management a fright just before half-time when he went down clutching his knee, but he was Ok to continue.

Accies best attempt on goal came at a time when Christian Nade was off the park and Hearts were down to 10 men. David graham cut in from the left wing and fired a low shot in at Balogh's near post. The Hearts 'keeper got down to make the save and the ball was smothered away for a corner kick.

In one unfortunate incident in the first half, a Hearts player was injured in his own half as they gained possession of the ball. Despite the fact that he was apparently in agony, the Hearts players continued to play until their attack broke down, but as soon as Accies gained possession, the Hearts fans started to boo and their players effectively stopped playing, demanding that Alex Neil kick the ball out to allow their team-mate to receive treatment.

So at half time, Hearts had that single goal lead and deserved it on the balance of play. They had more chances than Accies and Tomas Cerny was certainly the busier of the goalkeepers.

With Richard Offiong on after the interval, the Accies front line was more promising. Their passing game in midfield was back to what it should be and James McCarthy was having a superb game, despite the usual vocal disapproval from the Hearts support. If anything, this treatment seems to inspire James to better performances.

Richard Offiong had a chance to score when he got on the end of a great cross from David Graham on the right. His header was on target, but not powerful enough to trouble Balogh. Accies had a penalty appeal turned down when James McCarthy appeared to be fouled by a Hearts man but referee McDonald was not impressed. James McArthur got his head to another fine cross from Graham but his diving header went over the top.

Billy Reid freshened things up midway through the second half, with James Gibson coming on for James McArthur and Brian Easton being pushed forward into the left side of midfield. This worked out well, with Easton going on a couple of powerful runs towards the Hearts goal that caused the home defence real alarm. The big man looks well worthy of his call-up into the Scotland under 21 squad and he's improving with every game at this level.

Towards the end of the game, Joel Thomas came on for Trent McClenahan as Accies moved to a back 3. Accies had the huge majority of the ball in the final minutes of the game but that vital equaliser never arrived and Hearts held on to a claim the win. The home fans were unimpressed by their team and many of them booed their team from the park. Conversely, the Accies fans applauded their team for their efforts.

Ultimately, however, Accies again fell just short. They were sound at the back and at times dominated the midfield. It was just at the business end of the pitch that they just lacked that extra something.

It's tough to pick out the best players for a special mention, as so many of them played very well. If Accies can keep the bulk of this team fit and add some extra quality in the transfer window, then they should be able to survive.

Hearts: Balogh, Jonsson, Zaliukas, Berra, Lee Wallace, Aguiar, Karipidis, Palazuelos, Driver, Obua (Neilson 60), Nade (Mole 63).

Subs Not Used: Kello, Makela, Thomson, Templeton, Balatoni.

Booked: Mole.

Goals: Nade 6.

Hamilton: Cerny, McClenahan (Thomas 84), Canning, McLaughlin, Easton, Mensing, McArthur (Gibson 77), Neil, McCarthy, Graham, Akins (Offiong 46).

Subs Not Used: Murdoch, Elebert, Swailes, Lyle.

Booked: Mensing.

Att: 12,013

Ref: D McDonald

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