Hamilton Academical 3 Dundee United 1

Aug 12 2008 By Richard Mooney

HAMILTON Accies marked their first top flight game in 20 years with a magnificent 3-1 victory over a lacklustre Dundee United side last night.

After falling behind early on to a Mark McLaughlin own goal, the Lanarkshire side bounced back with goals from Tony Stevenson, James McArthur and David Graham.

Accies SPL debut was a dynamite performance that will surely leave fans full of optimism after bookies tipped the Hamilton side as favourites for relegation this season.

Hamilton were left reeling after an early spell of possession when defender Mark McLaughlin headed a dangerous Willo Flood cross into his own net after 23 minutes.

But this setback only spurred the young Accies side on.

After 29 minutes, Tony Stevenson's free-kick took a slight deflection of the back of the Dundee Utd wall and zipped into the back of the net, leaving Zaluska stranded, and all level at 1-1.

Hamilton's second goal will no doubt come under scrutiny from United fans as the ball bounced into goal of off James MacArthur's arm.

James McCarthy was brought down by Lee Wilkie in the 39th minute, giving Accies a free-kick 30 yards from the United box.

Stevenson floated the ball to the back post to find the head of Mark McLaughlin. The big defender redeemed himself for his earlier mishap when he flicked the ball onto the arm of James MacArthur and into the back of the net, giving Hamilton a controversial 2-1 lead before the break.

Dundee started poorly after the break and Accies continued to dominate the earlier part of the second half.

In the 63rd minute, Richard Offiong danced  past the Dundee defence, only to lose his footing, but David Graham stepped up from 15 yards and drilled home a fine goal, giving Hamilton a 3-1 lead.

Accies keeper Cerny was put to the test when he turned away a Lee Wilkie header and then pulled of an excellent save to keep out Sandanza's late effort.

He also denied attempts from Gomo and Feeney in an impressive display of goal-keeping.

James McCarthy came close with a strike towards the end, but Hamilton held on for three points and now sit top of the SPL after an excellent exhibition of football in their season opener.