Hamilton Accies win pre-season tournament

Jul 31 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton 2 Sunderland XI 1

HAMILTON Accies won the Hartlepool Centenary tournament on Sunday, defeating a Sunderland XI 2-1 at Victoria Park.

Former Aberdeen defender Russell Anderson inadvertently put Accies on their way to victory with an own goal after just eight minutes, turning a cross from trialist Brian Carrigan past keeper Nick Colgan.

Midfielder David Graham doubled Hamilton’s lead in 66 minutes, drilling home following a good run.

And although Jordan Cook pulled a goal back for Sunderland in 73 minutes, Accies captain Alex Neil lifted the inaugural Wilton Cup.

It was a convincing performance from Accies, who could have won by more on the day against much-fancied opposition.

Akins received a merited round of applause when he was replaced by ex-Dundee striker Derek Lyle, while midfielder James McCarthy received a Player of the Tournament award from the organising committee.

Hosts Hartlepool, who earlier in the day defeated Huddersfield 1-0 to secure third place, also presented Hamilton with a gift to commemorate their centenary.

Accies had earlier presented an engraved quaich to mark the League One club’s 100th anniversary.

HAMILTON: Murdoch, Stevenson, Easton, McCarthy, Mensing, McLaughlin (Swailes, 46), Carrigan (McLeod, 25), McArthur, Akins (Lyle, 64), Neil (Evans, 67), Graham. Subs (not used): Grady, Taylor, Cerny.

Huddersfield......................1 Hamilton........................... 2

ON the Saturday before Hamilton had defeated a strong Huddersfield Town side 2-1 in the semi-final. Andy Booth had given the League One side the lead in 49 minutes, drilling home through a ruck of players.

Hamilton equalised in 58 minutes when Tony Stevenson’s intended pass deflected off defender Joe Skarz into the path of James McArthur, who drilled home from 16 yards.

Four minutes later Hamilton scored the winner when Simon Mensing went on a run from midfield before blasting past former Falkirk keeper Matt Glennon from 18 yards.

HAMILTON: Cerny, Stevenson, Easton, McCarthy, McLaughlin (Swailes, 45), Mensing, Graham, McArthur, Offiong (Waterworth, 68), Neil, Corcoran (Carrigan, 50). Subs (not used): Evans, Hall.