Accies grab their first home win of the season with a 2-0 Scottish Cup victory over Alloa Athletic

Jan 13 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

DAVID BUCHANAN admitted it was a major morale boost as Hamilton grabbed their first home win of the season with a 2-0 Scottish Cup triumph over 10-man Alloa on Saturday.

Although Buchanan conceded that Accies were favourites to beat their Second Division opponents, this was still a much-needed win for Billy Reid’s side.

Buchanan (24) said: “Getting through to the next round of the cup was the most important thing and it’s just great to get back to winning ways. It gives us a morale boost, gets the smile back on everyone’s faces, and it was great for the players.”

He added: “I thought we did a professional job. We knew Alloa were going to come and give it their all but we knew our quality would hopefully take over.

“Any win is important for the club but especially at home in front of our own fans, and whether it’s in the SPL or in the cup against a Second Division side, you can only beat what is put in front of you.

“First and foremost though, we’ve got to concentrate on our league performances. We know where we are at the minute but the last few weeks have been positive.

“We’re more solid as a team and if we can just convert some of the chances into goals then hopefully we’ll pick up some points.”

Although nerves were fairly evident among the Accies players, the 2-0 scoreline didn’t flatter the side and they looked fairly comfortable throughout what could have been a tricky afternoon.

The hosts threatened in five minutes when Flavio Paixao crossed for twin brother Marco, who should have done better than head wide from 10 yards.

A minute later, the Wasps threatened when Stuart Noble went on a run before squaring for Kevin McDonald, but the striker sent his shot over, with Tomas Cerny scrambling.

Alloa had a decent penalty claim in 10 minutes when McDonald went down under a Martin Canning challenge but referee Alan Muir wasn’t interested.

Andy Graham enjoyed a roving role down the right and in 12 minutes he found Dougie Imrie but his shot from distance flew just over.

Buchanan picked out Marco Paixao with a good ball in 21 minutes but the striker’s volley was blocked and Stephen Robertson was able to mop up.

Marco went close again five minutes later when he headed a Graham cross off the junction of post and crossbar.

But Accies took the lead in 33 minutes when Flavio Paixao sent a delightful through ball to Nigel Hasselbaink, who showed great composure before slotting the ball past the onrushing Robertson.

Accies nearly doubled their lead in 49 minutes as a Marco Paixao cross from the left eventually reached Imrie at the back post but his shot was blocked and Simon Mensing sent the rebound over.

With 13 minutes gone in the second half, Michael McGowan tried an audacious lob from just inside the Accies half which Cerny parried before catching.

Minutes later, Imrie cut in from the right but sent his low shot inches past the far post, with Robertson beaten.

Winger Jim McAlister replaced Marco Paixao in 68 minutes and should have got on the scoresheet two minutes later but somehow fired a Graham cross wide with just Robertson to beat.

Graham found McAlister again eight minutes later but this time his header was parried and saved.

A minute later, Flavio Paixao headed a Damian Casalinuovo cross wide of the left post when it looked easier to score.

With 10 minutes remaining, Accies were denied a decent penalty claim when Flavio Paixao was sent sprawling by David McClune but again Mr Muir wasn’t interested.

In the final minute of normal time, Flavio Paixao sent McAlister racing through on goal only to be upended by Robertson, who was promptly sent off.

With all three Alloa subs used, striker David Gormley took over in goal and sensationally saved Simon Mensing’s spot-kick, although he was several yards off his line at the time.

Inside stoppage time, a Flavio Paixao cross was volleyed over by Graham and sub Gavin Skelton then headed wide of target.

But three minutes into stoppage time, Imrie found space on the right to cross and Flavio Paixao bulleted a header past the helpless Gormley.

Hamilton: Cerny, Buchanan, Canning, McLaughlin (Skelton, 86), Graham, Mensing, Gillespie, F. Paixao, Imrie, Hasselbaink (Casalinuovo, 67), M. Paixao (McAlister, 68). Subs (not used): Murdoch, Kirkpatrick.

Booked: Imrie, Gillespie, Graham.

Referee: Alan Muir.

Attendance: 1054.

Advertiser Man of the Match: Andy Graham – the defender put in a solid performance and attacked whenever possible.