United lack killer touch in Hamilton stalemate
Dundee United boss Micky Mellon admits that his team will be more successful when they lose their tag of being the draw specialists.
The Tangerines have drawn 10 Premiership games this season and took part in their sixth 0-0 at Hamilton yesterday.
There was no repeat of the Lawrence Shankland wonder goal that got them a point against St Johnstone in midweek.
Any type of goal would have given them victory and made their grip on a top-six place look at lot more secure.
Mellon said: “You have to be honest and say that if you’re going to be more successful, you have to be taking three points in some of those games we’ve drawn.
“But we won’t allow people to put us under pressure by saying we should be getting better results when we’re playing good football.
“We’re getting results in a league we’ve just arrived in. It shows how far we’ve come
when everyone’s disappointed that we’ve not taken three points at a place like Hamilton.
“I really dislike when managers go on about should have, could have and never happened.
“But in terms of build-up play and the team that was looking most likely to get a result, it was us.
“We played some fantastic football at times.
“We maybe just need to get ontheendofsomeofthose moves and be a bit more clinical.”
There wasn’t a lot of excitement in the first half – the highlights being a great save by Hamilton goalie Ryan Fulton and a much-needed bit of fun from Micky Mellon.
Quipofthedaywent to Mellon after referee Greg Aitken was felled and temporarily stunned when he got in the way of the ball.
“I’ve got a board if you want to sub him,” said the manager.
At last we’ve found an upside to grounds without fans – the chance to discover that some bosses do have a sense of humour.
He wasn’t smiling when Ian Harkes failed to score with a header from point-blank range.
The American’s effort was somehow pushed into the air by Fulton. It looked like it was certain to drop into the net but somehow crawled over the crossbar.
Unfortunately, many of the Accies’ fans were unable to see the early action. An internet fault meant their game was only seen on Kilmarnock and Hibs TV for a spell.
It was Hamilton that finished the first 45 minutes looking more likely to score.
Callum Smith missed the targetwhenhehadtimetobe more composed with his effort and Siegrist had to be alert to save a Callachan free-kick at his near post.
Both teams re-emerged looking more committed to attack after half-time.
A flurry of shots followed at both ends.
Odoffin came close in attack, then later cropped up with a great clearance to deny the visitors.
There was very little between the teams and a share of the points was the fair outcome.
Micky Mellon felt his team were closest to getting a winner but that would have been harsh on Accies.
The United manager says a clear plan is in place to keep improving his side.
He added: “We’re not playing off the cuff.
“We’re working hard in training and I’m seeing that in our play.
“I see what the players are trying to achieve when they get on the ball.
“I’m very clear on that and I’m pleased by that.”