AFTER DIAMONDS HEIST REID IS OUT TO GRAB AWAY WINS TREBLE

Mar 9 2007

ACCIES boss Billy Reid has set his side a target of taking nine points from three away games in seven days — but knows it will be far from easy.

Confidence is high at New Douglas Park following back-to-back wins over Dundee and Airdrie United, and Reid hopes to take that into away clashes with Clyde, Ross County and Partick Thistle over the next week.

Second-placed St Johnstone are now just two points ahead of Hamilton, having played the same number of games, and Reid is well aware that his squad is returning to full strength at an ideal time.

He said: “We’re getting a bit of continuity now in terms of team selection, and that has created real competition for places.

“It would be brilliant to take full points from the three away games, and it’s going to be difficult, but we’re more than capable if we play to our potential.”

Reid is looking forward to Saturday’s visit to Broadwood, which pitches two form teams against each other.

And he said: “We’re confident after our last two wins, but I’ve warned the players to take nothing for granted.

“Saturday’s game will be completely different, and it will be a real battle against Clyde.

“It’s an old stamping ground for myself, going back, and I know what to expect when playing there.

“Clyde keep surprising people and getting results, we know going to Broadwood will be difficult, but I feel as though we’re maturing as a team.

“We’ve had two clean sheets in our last two games, big Sean Murdoch, our goalkeeper, has added a bit of stability to the back line, and if we maintain our continuity we can match anybody.”

Reid was delighted with Saturday’s 3-0 home win over derby rivals Airdrie United, and felt that his side could have been even further in front.

He said: “It’s pleasing to have got two clean sheets at home in our last two games, and I don’t remember big Sean having a save to make in either game.

“It’s a derby, we’re delighted to score three goals and keep a clean sheet — I thought we deserved the win, overall.

“It was sunny in the first half and that made the park a bit sticky.

“When it rained in the second half, the pitch was a wee bit slicker, we could then pass the ball, which we did very well, and could have added another couple of goals.

“We have good players here, we’ve got a wee bit of continuity now, and we’ve won four out of our last six games.

“For the first time since I’ve been the manager we’ve had players that I haven’t been able to pick — there were three guys in the stand who could have played in the team.

“I’ve hardly had that luxury in the two years that I’ve been here.

“I’ve said all along that we have good players here that can steady the ship, and hopefully they’ll stay fit.

“We’ve also got a team full of young men plying their trade at the top end of the First Division, and it’s credit to them, because their attitude and work-rate during the week is fantastic.

“We’ve brought in Jamie McClen and everybody could see his calibre. He hadn’t played for seven weeks, but he is a fantastic football player and was unlucky not to score.

“We’ve got a lot of good players here, and we’re moving in the right direction.

“Richard Offiong’s pace and power means he can do anything that he wants to in this league — but he needs to be confident and get his head right.

“It’s up to me, as the manager, to keep his feet on the ground and make sure he performs every week.

“Brian Easton got his first goal on Saturday and it’s something that we’ve been working on with him.

“He’s a big lad at 6’ 2”, but he probably doesn’t attack the ball as well as he should in the opposing box, but he’s grown in confidence in the last two games and is maturing.

“Brian’s 18, has played 25 times this season, and has been outstanding.

“Alex Neil is a leader on the park, but he was feeling his calf before the game so we took him off as a precaution after our third goal, because I didn’t want to take any chances with him.

“James McCarthy has shown that he can handle the physical side of the game, which is incredible for a 16-year-old.

“The more he plays, the better he’ll be on the ball.

“James McArthur has been outstanding; he can improve and he knows that, but he’s a manager’s dream and he is a credit to himself.”

Reid is targeting at least second place this season and said: “I don’t think St Johnstone will finish too far behind Gretna so we’re looking at them.

“Queen of the South beating St Johnstone on Tuesday helps us, because it means we’re only two points behind Saints.

“We’ve got Gretna and St Johnstone coming up at home, but I’m not foolish enough to say that we’re going to win the league – that would be daft.

“What I will say is that with a wee bit of continuity in team selection, we can give anybody a game here.

“I’m not going to make any rash predictions, but I will say that we will finish close to St Johnstone.”

Marvyn Wilson will be added to Saturday’s squad, and Reid has no new injuries to report.