Clock ticking on Accies' dwindling hopes at saving SPL status

Mar 10 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BILLY Reid leads his side into battle against Dundee United at Tannadice tonight (Thursday), knowing that Accies’ SPL hopes are hanging by a thread.

The New Douglas Park boss says he sees signs of improvement in his rock-bottom side – but knows points are crucial if Accies are to stand any chance of saving their top-flight status.

Hamilton have been boosted by news that captain Alex Neil is likely to be on the bench, meaning he could make only his second appearance of an injury-ravaged season.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Celtic on Saturday, Reid said: “We’re looking forward to the game on Thursday.

“I think the games against Hibernian and Aberdeen, and this year in general, have whetted my appetite for it.

“I see signs of improvement in the whole of what we’re trying to do.

“I think it’s going to be a bit of blood and thunder against Dundee United, and that’s not exactly how we want to go and play our football – I think we’re always better when we pass it, but we’ve got to adapt to that.

“I’ve seen big improvements in the last three or four weeks with us.

“We’re not finished yet in this league, that I guarantee, but we’ve got to brush up in the final third and we’ve got to be more of a goal threat.”

Reid has made no secret about how much he has missed midfield ace Neil this term and reckons he might make a difference.

He said: “I think Alex will make the bench – whether we bring him on or not depends on how the game is going.

“But he has made huge improvements and I know if we can get him back his influence on the park and his presence will give us another kick on, and that might be enough.”

On Saturday’s defeat, Reid said: “We had a game-plan to make sure that the two Celtic full-backs couldn’t get behind us and I think that worked.

“I thought we adapted really well to the situation we were in and I don’t think Celtic had an effort worth even talking about until their first goal.

“I see teams go to Celtic, lump the ball up the park and then sit back as Celtic come at them with wave after wave of attacks and we didn’t do that – we got on the ball, tried to pass and get a foothold in the game.”