Accies' McCarthy double sinks Kilmarnock in crucial clash

May 7 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

JAMES MCCARTHY hit a double on Saturday to haul Hamilton into eighth place in the SPL but warned his team-mates they’re not safe yet.

Six points separate Accies from bottom side Falkirk but with four games left McCarthy hopes a win at Inverness on Sunday could keep Hamilton playing top-flight football again next season.

He said: “There’s still a long way to go. We have four games left and we’re not getting carried away.

“It was a massive three points against Kilmarnock but we’ll keep our feet on the ground.

“To go up to Inverness on Sunday and get three points is a big task but it’s one that we’re going to have a go at.”

McCarthy hadn’t scored since grabbing a double against Motherwell on December 20.

His first goal came five minutes into the match and the second 10 minutes after the interval.

The double took him joint-top of the club’s scoring chart on six with Richard Offiong but McCarthy insisted that scoring goals is an area of his game he’s got to improve.

He said: “It’s been a long time since I last scored and I’m delighted to get back on the scoresheet but the most important thing was to get the three points.

“Results didn’t really go our way, with Falkirk and Inverness winning, but we just need to take care of ourselves and pick up as many wins as we can.

“I’m delighted to score goals and that is a part of my game that I have to improve but I thought it was a great team performance.

“Everybody fought for each other and we’re just delighted to pick up three points.”

Hamilton were back to near full-strength, with striker Richard Offiong making his first top-team start since March 8. The Englishman was a constant threat to Kilmarnock.

Accies opened the scoring in five minutes when Offiong found Simon Mensing in the box and his diagonal pass to the left flank released McCarthy, who sidestepped David Lilley and Simon Ford before drilling the ball low into the bottom right corner via a post.

In 16 minutes, Easton’s cross from the left was headed across goal by Mensing for Offiong but Combe gathered under pressure from the striker.

Seven minutes later, Paul McGowan’s corner from the left was headed just past the far post by Martin Canning.

David Fernandez saw a low shot comfortably saved by Tomas Cerny in 31 minutes as Killie tried to get back into the game.

Hamilton should have doubled their lead a minute later when Brian Easton went on a driving run down the left before picking out McGowan but his low effort zipped inches past the left post.

Kilmarnock went close to an equaliser in 35 minutes when Willie Gibson darted down the left before picking out Jamie Hamill but his deft flick was saved by Cerny at the near post.

Ten minutes into the second half, Hamilton effectively secured the points when Offiong darted down the right and sent over a delightful cross for McCarthy, whose controlled volley deceived Combe and crashed in at the bottom right corner.

Offiong then contributed a spot of defending, clearing off the line after Mehdi Taouil’s corner caused problems.

Offiong could have increased Hamilton’s lead in 70 minutes when he collected an Easton pass fully 35 yards out and took it past two Kilmarnock players before driving the ball inches past the left post.

Kilmarnock were handed a lifeline in stoppage time when Taouil’s corner from the left struck Easton’s arm and referee Mike Tumilty pointed to the spot, with Hamill sending Cerny the wrong way.

It was too little too late for Killie, however, and Hamilton held on for a precious three points, their first since February 21.

Hamilton: Cerny, Easton, McCarthy (Corcoran, 81), McLaughlin, McArthur, Offiong, Neil, McGowan (Lyle, 48), Canning, McClenahan (Gibson, 66), Mensing. Subs (not used): Murdoch, Thomas, Swailes, Asamoah.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Hay, Lilley (Wright, 10), Ford, Bryson, Taouil, Invincibile (W. Gibson, 17), Skelton, Fernandez, Clancy (Sammon, 62), Hamill. Subs (not used): Rascle, O’Leary, Flannigan, Nolan.

Booked: Clancy.

Referee: Mike Tumilty.

Attendance: 3289.

Advertiser Man of the Match: James McCarthy – continues to impress in the top flight with two very well taken goals.