Accies lose to Motherwell in Lanakshire derby

Feb 14 2009 By Chris Clements

Motherwell 1 Hamilton Accies 0

A DAVID Clarkson strike saw Motherwell end Accies’ six-game winning streak and extend their own unbeaten run to nine games.

Hamilton started the game brightly, piling the pressure on the home side from early on. James McCarthy’s cutback let James McArthur unleash a shot that keeper Graeme Smith did well to save.

Shortly after, a Craig Easton corner saw a header from Accies defender Mark McLaughlin saved by Smith before Simon Mensing’s overhead kick found the net. However, the goal was disallowed due to an apparent handball.

Hamilton’s pressure failed to pay off, and David Clarkson put Motherwell ahead on the brink of half-time after some good work on the left by Jim O’Brien and a Cillian Sheridan flick.

Feelings were running high after the break, with a tussle between McCarthy and Paul Quinn resulting in the latter being booked.

Accies threatened with a volley from Alex Neil forcing a save. However Motherwell looked stronger. A quick counter-attacking move saw Stephen Hughes let loose Darren Smith on the right, whose dangerous cross was headered over by McLaughlin.

Sheridan, Smith and Clarkson continued to threaten Accies and Paul Quinn had a strong appeal for a penalty when he was brought down by keeper Tomas Cerny.

However, Motherwell maintained their lead despite a late flourish from Hamilton.