Easton: reaction to defeat shows how far we’ve come

Mar 5 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BRIAN EASTON reckons a marker of Hamilton’s progress comes in their disappointment at losing 1-0 to SPL leaders Hamilton.

It’s changed days from the side that collapsed 7-1 at Ibrox back in December, with ambitious Easton and his team-mates eyeing up a top-six spot.

Easton, who turned 21 today (Thursday), said: “I think it shows how far we’ve progressed that Rangers are at our place and we’re disappointed to lose 1-0.

“It’s a lot better than 7-1 and we never thought it would be a game like that.

“We went into it with a lot of confidence due to the form we’ve been in and we thought that if we all played well we could have taken something from it.

“Unfortunately, as the gaffer said to us after the game, he didn’t have enough players playing well.”

Easton’s clearance fell to unmarked Barry Ferguson, who rifled in Rangers’ winner.

Although the defender wasn’t at fault for the winner, he was still disappointed to concede the goal.

He said: “It was a bit slack. We weren’t prepared for the short corner and then didn’t close Barry Ferguson down on the edge of the box. It’s disappointing but these things happen.

“It’s important that we dust ourselves down and just hopefully pick it up for the next game.”

Hamilton were due to entertain Hibs in a crucial SPL clash last night (Wednesday), before travelling to Ibrox on Sunday for a Homecoming Scottish Cup quarter-final showdown with Rangers.

It’s a busy time and, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game, Easton said: “There’s a lot at stake at the moment in terms of the top six so we’re hoping to win.”

Easton is enjoying life in the top flight and admits attracting interest like from Derby County boss Nigel Clough – who watched him against Rangers – is a compliment.

He said: “Being in the SPL feels like a different world, and it’s brilliant to have that every week. We’re enjoying every minute of it.

“I spoke to my dad after the game and he said Nigel Clough was shown on TV so I am aware that he was there but I don’t pay too much attention to things like that.

“It’s a big compliment if he’s up here watching me but we’ll see what happens.”