Billy Reid determined on grabbing seventh-placed finish

Apr 29 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid has urged his side to dump Aberdeen and secure eighth position in the SPL... as they go gunning for St Johnstone.

The Perth Saints are just a point ahead of Hamilton going into this weekend’s fixtures, but a win at Pittodrie would give Accies a seven-point cushion over the Dons with six to play for.

Reid admits that’s Hamilton’s motivation as they bid to cap an amazing season with a seventh-place finish.

Reid said: “It won’t be an easy game at Pittodrie but if we could win it we’d be guaranteed eighth place at least, and that’s how we’ll be approaching it.

“We’re a point behind St Johnstone and at one stage I think we were 11 or 12 behind, so we’ve worked really hard to close that gap.

“We’ve got three games to go, we’re trying to win every one of them, and we know that’s going to be really difficult with two away and one at home, but it’s achievable with the group of players I’ve got.”

Hamilton entertain St Mirren on Wednesday in their last home match of the season and Reid will be keeping an interested eye on their result at Falkirk going into the midweek fixture.

A point would safeguard the Paisley club’s SPL status but defeat would leave Gus MacPherson’s side needing a win to avoid a last-day dogfight.

Reid added: “There are some big games on Saturday again and we’re just happy that we’re not involved in that.”

Meanwhile Reid was delighted with Saturday’s 1-0 win over Falkirk, courtesy of Marco Paixao’s first-half goal.

He said: “I was delighted with the win over Falkirk. We didn’t play as well as we have been but it’s important to win games in that situation and we hadn’t done in the past.

“In the first half we were good, we dominated the game but fell away a bit in the second half.

“We made a few changes, we were missing some key players and Alex moved back from midfield to defence.

“We lost it a wee bit but they showed a lot of character to hang in there.

“Falkirk didn’t create too many chances but credit to Sean Murdoch, who came in after so long out and was fantastic, but he’s a good goalkeeper.

“We scored a smashing goal, it was a great cross from Dougie Imrie, Marco timed the run well and it was a perfect header into the top corner.

“I thought the week before against Kilmarnock Marco came on and did really well, and we’ve got options up front now, which is really important and pleasing for us.”

Reid praised the contribution the Paixao twins have made this season, with Marco siting on six goals for the season while Flavio has one less.

Both have also created goals for others and Billy has been pleased with their workrate.

He said: “It took them a wee while to adjust to the game and it’s strange how it has worked; Marco was first to shine through, Flavio came to the fore, and Marco has done well recently.

“They’re two good characters, they work really hard and they’re chipping in with goals.

“I think, in terms of the squad and the whole team, we’ve got a much more balanced look about us now.

“Dougie Imrie has also come in and is the type of guy who, even in training, puts in an incredible amount of effort and endeavour.

“I always knew what type of guy he was from when he played against us for Clyde and Inverness and I knew he’d be a good signing – that’s been proven right.”

Reid has started planning for next season’s assault on the SPL, but says it’s early yet.

He said: “We’ve sat down with players and most of those who were out of contact have been signed up.

“We’ve spoken to one or two others as well, but it’s early on yet.

“There’s a long time to go and we’ll see how things materialise.

“I’d like to keep all four of the loan players here next season and if we can then we’re in business – whether that’s achievable or not I’m not in a position to say.”

Accies adult season ticket holders will be able to bring a guest for free to Wednesday’s final home match of the season against St Mirren.

The game kicks-off at 7.30pm and will be screened live on ESPN.