3-in-a-row is our target says Accies boss

Feb 7 2008 By Andy McGilvray

BILLY Reid has targeted nine points from Hamilton’s next three games as they enter the final straight in the First Division title race.

But the New Douglas Park gaffer knows that won’t be easy, with home clashes against Dunfermline and Livingston either side of a traditionally tricky trip to St Johnstone in Perth.

Reid said: “These are big, big games but if we could come through unscathed we will be in a healthy position.

“We can’t take the Dunfermline game on Saturday lightly as will come here trying to win.

“We have to be patient and realise that between now and the end of the season we’re in a pressure pot.

“We’re sitting at the top of the table with a five-point cushion butthere will be a few more blips before the end of the season but we’re in a healthy position.

“I would ask our home fans again to be patient. They’ve got to have a belief and stay with us.

“Nobody wants the title more than this cluband I think we’ve proved that already.”

He added: “People say Dundee have easier games but there are no ‘easy’ games in this league.

“Teams at the bottom are fighting for their lives, teams in the middle are trying to get higher, so there’s everything to play for.”

Reid beat the transfer window to snap up strikers Andrew Waterworth (21), and James Grady (36), from Gretna, while Brian Wake, who has joined Morton, and David Winters were released.

And Reid said: “I think Andrew and James can influence what we’re trying to do and we felt as though we had to beef up the attack.”

Reid was delighted with Saturday’s performance in the 1-0 Scottish Cup fifth round defeat at Aberdeen, but warned people not to get carried away.

He said: “We didn’t disgrace ourselves. That’s the third time we’ve played against Premier League opposition this season and lost twice but it shows that we’re progressing as a football club.

“The reaction from my players was smashing, but at the end of the day we lost the game.

“However, I feel that I’ve got players here who can play in the Premier League, so what we need to do is hopefully get there and build on that foundation.”