The togetherness and spirit is just incredible
Nicky’s outgunning Scotland hitmen at Tannadice
HIS two pals may have the Scotland caps but Nicky Clark insists he’ll settle for bagging the goals.
The Dundee United striker came to his team’s rescue just as Hamilton Accies threatened a long overdue win at Tannadice.
Ross Callachan stooped to head the bottom side into a shock second-half lead before Clark decided it was time to take over.
He mixes it with internationalists Lawrence Shankland and Marc McNulty in the Terrors’ attack but produced two finishes worthy of gracing any stage to pile more misery on Accies.
A classy double in the space of five minutes turned this game on its head and took Clark’s own tally to nine for the season, comfortably more than both McNulty and Shankland.
“I’ll just keep scoring the goals!”, Clark quipped back when reminded of his team-mates’ international status. If he does United’s seven-game unbeaten run won’t be ending any time soon.
The frontman said: “We’re delighted, it was a massive game. Going 1-0 down, we’ve shown the spirit we’ve got with the group of boys in that changing room to turn it around and get three points.
“We were disappointed to lose the goal but the togetherness is incredible, as I said before. Once we got level we just kicked on.
“I think the first one is a great goal, there are a few passes before it. A great ball from Sparky (McNulty), a great run from Liam Smith and he does well to pick me out. I didn’t even have to shout, he just had a wee glance before it and cut it back for a good finish.
“That gave us the lift we needed. The second is a good goal as well.”
Despite Micky Mellon’s persistent touchline bellowings that the “game will settle”, the two sides produced an opening period that is perhaps best never to speak of again.
Littered with sloppy passes and scrappy exchanges, a low Clark free-kick stinging the palms of Ryan Fulton was the only effort to speak of. United undoubtedly established a foothold as the half wore on but it was Accies who returned from the break with added impetus.
Scott McMann began venturing forward from left-back and his swinging centre dropped on to the head of Callachan who simply could not miss.
Although Accies immediately began to concede territory Brian Rice’s side for a time looked to be comfortably containing their hosts who were becoming visibly frustrated.
But a sublime slide-rule pass from McNulty sprung Smith in behind and he pulled back for Clark to put away the equaliser.
Accies suddenly weren’t so assured and four minutes later McNulty nodded down for Clark to steer home his second.
McNulty’s contributions for both goals underlined his quality. Clark said: “You can see it with the clubs he’s been at, he’s got a couple of caps for Scotland as well. He’s brought a lot to the team.”
Credit to Accies, however, who rallied again and were awarded a penalty which left those, admittedly few, in attendance scratching their heads.
Craig Napier penalised Jamie Robson for an apparent handball but Callachan blazed his spot-kick high and wide.
Clark added: “I still don’t know why he gave it.
“Unfortunately for him he puts it over the bar but we’re delighted from our point of view.”
I didn’t even have to shout, he just had a wee glance and cut it back for a good finish