Accies to blame for defeat, says Canning

Martin Canning admitted Hamilton Accies only had themselves to blame after their six-game unbeaten run came to an end against St Johnstone.

Canning’s men had plenty of the play in the first half but a mixture of wayward finishing and a costly mix-up in the second half, which allowed Stefan Scougall to score, saw them slip to ninth in the Premiership.

“We only have ourselves to blame,” said Canning.

“We should have been out of sight in the first half. We could have been two up at half -time and the game is done.

“But St Johnstone stick in and do well. It’s one of those days. We just need to dust ourselves down and go again.”

The pivotal moment came on 66 minutes when Scott McMann and Dougie Imrie failed to deal with Alston’s through-ball, leaving it for each other.

That allowed Scougall to capitalise and sweep the ball past goalkeeper Gary Woods.

Canning added: “It’s a mistake. I think the communication is there. I think Scott has shouted for it and Dougie has pulled away from it and Scott has left it for Dougie.

“It is a misunderstanding. It happens. Unfortunately on the day it has cost us a goal.”

Tommy Wright felt Saints were more like themselves after being on a run which had seen them pick up just one win in eight games.

He said: “We’ve got a good three points from a difficult place to come against a pretty good side.”