Accies’ fury at ‘dodgy’ opener

HAMILTON keeper Michael McGovern insists the goal that sparked Kilmarnock’s 4-0 rout at New Douglas Park should never have been awarded.

Greg Kiltie opened the scoring on 11 minutes and bagged another just after the half-hour mark to leave relegationthreatened Accies up against it at half-time.

A Kris Boyd penalty and an effort from Josh Magennis killed them off and cut the gap between themselves and the Rugby Park side, currently second-bottom in the Ladbrokes Premiership, to just four points.

Home boss Martin Canning insists that goal played a big part in setting the tone for the game, with McGovern sure that Kiltie had run the ball out of play before putting the ball in the net.

“It was 100 per cent over the line, whole ball, no doubt about it,” said McGovern.

“I was standing right in line with it and it was a horrendous mistake.

“Darian McKinnon said he could have got his foot to it to put it out, but didn’t because it was so obviously out.”

Canning could not hide his dismay over Kiltie’s opening goal being given when he spoke afterwards.

“It is really disappointing that the officials get that wrong because it’s such a big decision and such a big game,” he said.

“The first goal in this type of game is always going to be massive.”

However, Canning accepted that his side’s performance was nowhere near good enough either.

“Our use of the ball for a side that prides ourselves on getting it down and passing it was miles away from what I expect,” he added.

“Our players knew the importance of the game. They were up for the game. They know they have let themselves down. It was an opportunity for us to guarantee our safety and they haven’t taken it.”