Accies’ lead is cut after Dens defeat

Nov 29 2007

HAMILTON saw their lead at the top of the Irn-Bru First Division cut to three points as Dundee ran out 1-0 winners on Saturday.

A Scott Robertson strike was enough to give the Dark Blues full points in what was a disappointing top-of-the-table clash.

In freezing conditions, Billy Reid’s side lined up with two changes as David Elebert replaced Tony Stevenson and new signing Roman Wallner was preferred to David Winters.

The Austrian, on loan from Falkirk, impressed on his debut and was one of the few successes in an Accies jersey.

Hamilton nearly took the lead after four minutes when Wallner’s cross from the right was touched on by Richard Offiong but Chris Swailes blasted past from four yards.

Dundee threatened in eight minutes after Paul McHale’s free-kick but Gary McKenzie’s header was well saved by Bryn Halliwell.

The hosts scored what proved to be the winner in 12 minutes.

Eddie Malone sent Milan Palenik clear and his defence-splitting ball provided space for Robertson to dart in before smashing the ball high past the helpless Halliwell.

Hamilton tried to hit back and in 28 minutes James McArthur picked out Wallner on the right but his cross was headed over by Offiong.

Brian Easton drove down the left before his pass was touched on by Offiong to Wallner but he sent a screaming shot inches past the top right corner, with ’keeper Craig Samson helpless.

Hamilton were then denied what looked like a certain penalty in 34 minutes when Mark Gilhaney was tripped in the box. Referee Brian Winter wasn’t interested.

McArthur passed up a good chance in 35 minutes, heading a Wallner corner past from close range.

After Dundee assistant Davie Farrell was lectured at length by Winter, manager Alex Rae then got himself sent to the stand for an offensive remark as the whistler walked away.

Wallner was last to threaten with a shot on the turn that was well-saved by Samson at the bottom right corner.

Hamilton started the second half well and after just four minutes a Wallner corner was spilled by Samson and eventually found its way to Gilhaney but his cross was scooped over by David Elebert.

Hamilton were handed a lifeline in 52 minutes when Gary McKenzie foolishly handled a Wallner corner in the box and Winter immediately pointed to the spot.

Offiong stepped up but, to the delight of the Dundee crowd, sent his spot-kick wide of target.

Hamilton continued to attack Dundee but without breaching a stubborn defence, while the hosts were content to hit on the counter.

This nearly paid off in stoppage time when Derek Lyle sent substitute Paul Dixon down the left but his shot was touched onto the left post and out for a corner by Halliwell.

Hamilton: Halliwell, Swailes, Easton, McCarthy, Elebert (Taylor, 81), McLaughlin, Wallner, McArthur, Offiong (Wake, 74), Neil, Gilhaney (Winters, 74). Subs (not used): Gibson, Cerny.

Advertiser Man of the Match: Roman Wallner — one of few who shone on a dismal day.