Doubters thanked for spurring on Accies

Hamilton goal hero Greg Docherty has thanked Accies’ doubters for writing off their survival hopes.

The 20-year-old fired home the goal which guaranteed the Lanarkshire outfit a club record fourth straight year in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

And Docherty claims his side needed no further motivation to grab the aggregate win over play-off rivals Dundee United after hearing pundits dismiss their hopes of staying up.

He said: “I was watching Sportscene last week and the pundits were saying 100% Dundee United (would win). I was sitting there really angry.

“We all came in the next day and were saying that we couldn’t believe that was being said about us. But that was the incentive we needed. I’m actually glad they said it as it gave us that wee boost.

“Everybody wrote us off but we proved them wrong.”

Hamilton’s weekend escape act is all the more impressive given they had to do it without key men Michael Devlin, Massimo Donati, Darian MacKinnon and Alex D’Acol.

Skipper Devlin faces months out of action after rupturing knee ligaments during their clash with Dundee.

Docherty admitted he was determined to ensure his captain had the goal of a return to top-flight action to work to.

“Mikey’s injury crossed my mind before the game,” he said. “It was a huge drive for me to make sure when he comes back, he’s not returning to a side in the Championship.

“There’s also guys like Massimo, who has moved his family over from Italy, and Alex D’Acol who were not able to play because of injuries.

“These guys came to this club to play Premiership football and we want to keep them.

“Premiership football is priceless and we certainly did not want to be in the Championship next year with so many teams strengthening down there.”

Greg Docherty: scored Accies’ play-off winner.