Accies move up SPL after defeating Hearts

Jan 31 2009 By Chris Clements

Hamilton Accies 2 Hearts 0

HAMILTON Accies made the chances of sneaking into the top six a distinct possibility with a solid win over Hearts at New Douglas Park.

The three points were enough to send Accies up to eighth in the SPL - level on points with Motherwell in seventh and 12 points clear of the relegation spot.

Perhaps it was the presence of chairman Vladimir Romanov in the stands that affected the Edinburgh players, but Hearts’ poor start to the first half allowed Hamilton to bundle in a Simon Mensing effort courtesy of a James McCarthy cross.

However, they rallied and piled the pressure on Accies throughout the first half, with two crucial Michael Stewart chances failing to hit the net – the first striking the post and the second saved by a spectacular Tomas Cerny lunge.

Accies defended well as Hearts enjoyed the bulk of possession in the first half, but the away side couldn’t convert.

The second half saw Hamilton start brightly. They doubled their lead shortly after the break after McCarthy was pulled down in the box by Robbie Neilson, followed by a no-nonsense penalty kick from Mensing.

Stewart and Christian Nade continued to test the Accies’ defence and keeper Cerny, but made little impact.

A late looping header from substitute Derek Lyle looked to make it three for the home side, but keeper Jamie MacDonald was on hand to save Hearts' further embarrassment.