No criticism from Rice for keeper Fulton’s foul-up
Hamilton Accies manager Brian Rice refused to point the finger at goalkeeper Ryan Fulton after his blunder led to Ross County taking all three points yesterday.
The stopper dropped the cross from Iain Vigurs that led to Billy McKay scoring the only goal of a fairly scrappy game.
Rice, though, wasn’t for publicly criticising Fulton, who also had a scare immediately before the goal.
“I’m not going to be too harsh on the goalkeeper,” said the Accies boss.
“He made some good saves earlier and I actually think David Moyo headed the ball out of his hands.
“Unfortunately they both went for the same ball and they collided with each other.”
He did, though, lament the lack of creativity in his side in a game where Accies made only one real opportunity.
“What disappointed me most was our reaction after they went ahead,” he said. “We were too naive and picked the wrong option too often when we had dangerous players on the park, like David Templeton.
“We need to be more streetwise if we want to start picking up points.
“I don’t think we did enough to win the game but I’m not sure Ross County did either.
“There was not much between the two teams.
“But I’m not sure that we can feel too aggrieved at not getting anything from the game.
“We just didn’t do enough in the final third to put enough pressure on them.”
Meanwhile, Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell insisted he won’t allow any of his players to get too excited following their impressive start to the campaign.
Yesterday’s win means they have a 100% record following wins over Motherwell and Accies but Kettlewell has his eyes on the marathon of the season.
“We’re not going to get carried away,” he said. “I’ve been stung by things like that before. I’m not one for shouting my mouth off and I don’t want any of my players doing that either.
“We show everyone respect. Kilmarnock is our next game at home and will be a tough one.
“I’m always cautious to say that because of how tough a division this is.”
Two clean sheets is also a massive positive.
“It’s pleasing that we are creating chances,” said Kettlewell. “But the big thing that pleases me is that you will always have a chance in the game if you’re keeping the back door shut.
“Our new, fairly young, back four and goalkeeper have acquitted themselves well. When you come to places like this you always know you will be in a proper game.”