McCarthy scores as Accies simply refuse to be moved

Nov 1 2007

AN EARLY James McCarthy strike was enough to give Hamilton full points in a controversial encounter at New Douglas Park.

The Greenock visitors thought they had equalised in the final minute when Chris Templeman bundled in a Michael Gardyne cross, but the goal was later rescinded for handball – and correctly.

The ’Ton striker told several Hamilton players that he had indeed handled, and referee Craig Thomson therefore got the decision spot-on.

Hamilton’s video evidence also shows that the decision was correct.

It’s difficult not to feel sympathy for Morton, given that the ‘goal’ appeared to have previously been given, but it would have been an injustice on Hamilton had it stood.

After the dust had settled on a stormy New Douglas Park, Hamilton had moved six points clear of second-placed Dundee, courtesy of their draw at Partick Thistle.

Hamilton were forced into two changes, with 17-year-old Grant Evans making his debut in place of injured Tom Parratt, and Chris Swailes drafted in after David Elebert failed a late fitness test.

Morton started the game brightly and in three minutes a Kieran McAnespie corner on the right was headed past the far post by Stewart Greacen.

Peter Weatherson tried a 35-yard dipping volley in four minutes, but Bryn Halliwell didn’t look troubled.

Hamilton scored what proved to be the winner in five minutes when Evans sent a long ball down the right for McCarthy to chase.

The 16-year-old cut inside, and when David McGurn came off his line and hesitated, McCarthy calmly lobbed the stranded keeper.

That’s two goals in as many games for the young midfielder, taking his season’s tally to four.

Hamilton nearly doubled their lead in nine minutes but David Winters’s free-kick from the right was volleyed just past the bottom right corner by Richard Offiong.

In 15 minutes McCarthy pounced on a Greacen error and sent Mark Gilhaney through on goal, but the winger’s shot was deflected over for a corner.

The two players combined again in 30 minutes, but this time Gilhaney’s header from McCarthy’s cross was saved by McGurn.

A minute later Brian Easton bulleted a header over from another dangerous Winters free-kick.

Mark McLaughlin was next up, sending a header wide from Winters’ free-kick on the left in 35 minutes.

The best chance of a Hamilton-dominated first half fell to Gilhaney in 38 minutes when McCarthy picked him out with a defence-splitting ball, but the winger hesitated long enough for Ryan Harding to recover and block his shot, with James McArthur sending the rebound inches past the left post.

Hamilton started the second half strongly, with a stunning 40-yard pass by McCarthy releasing Winters down the right in 49 minutes. He picked out Offiong, but the striker’s shot was blocked before being hacked clear for a corner.

Morton dominated proceedings thereafter, but without really troubling Halliwell in Hamilton’s goal.

Jay Shields’s looping header was comfortably held in 53 minutes, and 20 minutes later Gardyne opted to pass instead of heading towards goal, despite being only six yards out.

The ‘goal’ game in 89 minutes when Gardyne’s cross was missed by Chris Swailes and Templeman bundled it in.

Hamilton goalkeeper Bryn Halliwell, defenders Mark McLaughlin and Chris Swailes, and assistant manager Stuart Taylor immediately raced towards linesman Ross Haswell claiming the foul.

He called over referee Craig Thomson, and after consultation the goal was rescinded.

Morton players and boss Jim McInally and assistant Martin Clark then made a bee-line for the officials to state their case.

In the aftermath, McInally and Clark were sent to the stand, while Accies assistant Taylor, who was listed as a substitute, was red-carded.

That left a bitter taste at the end of what should have been a fine result.

Hamilton: Halliwell, Evans, Easton, McCarthy, Swailes, McLaughlin, Winters, McArthur, Offiong (Wake, 71), Neil, Gilhaney. Subs (not used): Stevenson, Gibson, Taylor, Cerny.

Booked: Easton. Sent-off: Taylor.

Morton: McGurn, Weatherson, McAnespie, Harding, Greacen, Shields, Finlayson (Gardyne, 69), J. Stevenson (Millar, 45), Russell (Templeman, 69), S. McLaughlin, McAlister. Subs (not used): Walker, Graham.

Booked: S. McLaughlin, Weatherson.

Referee: Craig Thomson.

Attendance: 2562.

Advertiser Man of the Match: James McCarthy – made Hamilton tick and scored a delightful winner.