Gavin Berry
Not the best of days but to be fair he maybe wasn’t helped by the players from both sides.
Could have awarded Accies a penalty after Stuart Findlay’s shove on George Oakley just moments before issuing a straight red to Brian East for wiping out Liam Millar. 5
BOBBY MADDEN: Brian Rice praised hero Hamilton keeper Owain Fon-Williams for his part in their win after a week at the hospital bedside of his stricken daughter.
The Welshman came to Accies’ rescue in the second half, pulling off a point-blank stop from sub Innes Cameron and a superb fingertip save to deny Alan Power.
Fon-Williams’ heroics came with his side leading through goals from Lewis Smith and George Oakley but down to 10 men following Brian Easton’s straight-red foul on Liverpool loanee Liam Millar.
Rice – who worked with FonWilliams at Inverness – was full of admiration for his keeper after an emotional week where his 10-week- old girl Sali was admitted to Wishaw General Hospital with meningitis.
Thankfully she’s on the mend and Accies boss Rice said: “Owain’s baby has been ill all week a nd in hospital so for him to play was credit to him.
“He was at the hospital in the evening then training next morning. I asked if he wanted to play but I d idn’t need to. It ’ s the character of the guy. I knew what I was getting. He was Wales’ No. 3 at the Euros and is outstanding.”
Rice was also delighted with the display of youngster Smith in his first league start as he produced a dazzling display that was capped by the opener and an assist.
His manager said: “Lewis is an exceptional young talent. We all know that and I’ve been itching to get him in the team.
“We gave him the platform to show what he can do. I see it every day and everyone saw a glimpse in this game.
“He scored a fantastic goal oal then had a handd in the second. nd. But it was as his work rk ethic off the ball all when we were re down to o 10 men n which h pleased me. His strength is getting on the ball. He glides. I told him he’s in the team to go and express himself. I’ve told him not to feel in awe of anyone.
“He’s a quiet kid but once he’s on the pitch he gets me on the edge of my seat.”
Smith struck the opener against the run of play when he curled a lovely shot beyond onloan Juventus keeper Laurentiu Branescu f rom an Aaron McGowan header.
The 19-year- old could have e netted another from a counter with Blair Alston releasing him but he shot straight at a grateful Branescu.
He was full of confidence and sent another effort wide before e Stephen O’Donnell’s shot at the e other end just before the break k was scrambled away to safety. y.
Hamilton netted No. 2 four r minutes after the restart and d Smith was again involved. Alston started the move before Smith took over and his cross was poked home by Oakley.
Killie brought on Cameron who got his head on Chris Burke’s deep cross but Fon-Williams made a fine save.
And the keeper touched a fierce drive by Power over the bar at the death.