Match Report - By Steven Mew

City travelled down to Hamilton yesterday afternoon to take on an Accies side who had just recorded three straight wins without conceding a goal. City meanwhile were hoping to get another result after their 1-0 win against Dundee at Dens Park on Tuesday which will have no doubt lifted spirits in the City dressing room.

Accies manager Billy Reid had an injury crisis before the match which saw many first team players out injured. Stuart Balmer, Scott MacKenzie, John Robertson, Marvin Wilson, Mark McLaughlin and Graeme Jones all missed out for the home side. Meanwhile the only absentee’s for City were Gary Bollan who had an ankle knock and Gerry Britton, who was hopeful of starting the game beforehand, wasn’t even fit for a place on the bench.

The entire game was packed with fluent, neat football on the deck but both sides lacked a cutting edge in front of goal which provided little entertainment for the relatively small crowd of 1,117.

The game was extremely uneventful and it wasn’t until the 25th minutes before either side threatened. Mark Gilhaney, who was a constant thorn in City’s flesh throughout the game, cut in from the left but his shot flew just wide of the goal.

The next real chance didn’t arrive until the 36th minute when Accies opened the scoring. Some good work by Mark Gilhaney on the left flank ended in a teasing cross which was met with a devastating full volley by Juanjo which flew into the top corner of the net, giving Craig Nelson absolutely no chance. The little Spaniard’s celebration was just as spectacular, he was clearly pleased with that one.

That appeared to be the last piece of excitement in what was a very poor first half.

With six minutes into the second half City were dealt a blow when they were reduced to ten men as referee Colin Hardie gave Danny Grainger a straight red for a dangerous tackle. It was a tackle some referee’s may have just flashed a yellow card for but very few City fans could argue with the red card as there were studs showing and was extremely dangerous.

Hamilton took advantage of the extra man straight away and extended their lead just a minute later. Derek Fleming played a ball through for Mark Gilhaney and just as David White looked to have intercepted the ball in the box, the ball fell back for Gilhaney who had time to pick his spot which a deft shot which flew over Craig Nelson and into the net.

Bizarrely, City played some of their best football of the match after this despite only having 10 men. Some of Brechin’s moves were well worked and led to some half chances, but Dave McEwan in the Hamilton goal was rarely threatened.

A loose ball fell for Grant Johnson outside the box but his shot flew past the post while Chris Templeman had an eye for goal but the ball took an odd bounce and his shot flew out for a throw in.

That appeared to be the last action of the match which saw Hamilton move into 3rd place above Ross County who lost 2-0 against Clyde. Next up for City is QotS at home who are on a fantastic run of late.

Other Results - Bell's League Division 1

Airdrie United 3 Stranraer 0

Stranraer soundly beaten by Airdrie at New Broomfield.

Clyde 2 Ross County 0

Ross County's recent slump continues with a defeat against Clyde at Broadwood.

Queen of the South 3 St Johnstone 2

It's looking more likely that Queens will stay up now after an impressive victory over St Johnstone.

St Mirren 2 Dundee 1

Saints clinch the title at home to Dundee.