Hamilton still searching for the right blend as draw with County feels more like defeat
A GOOD compromise is said to be one that leaves neither party satisfied. Given the number of grimaces on display here on Saturday, this outcome pretty much fitted that brief to a tee. County were frustrated because they’d taken the lead through Billy Mckay after 36 seconds and then failed to build on it. If anything, though, Hamilton were even more narked than their visitors. That was hardly a surprise given they’d recovered from the loss of that early goal to draw level and then take a second-half lead. With two minutes to go, they looked set for a first victory in five attempts. Instead, Brian Graham’s late strike consigned them to their fourth draw of the season. They then had Scott Martin sent off in injury time for gesturing with his head towards Josh Mullin. ‘That felt more like a defeat,’ admitted striker George Oakley whose goal put Accies in front after Lewis Smith’s equaliser. ‘I was speechless, as I felt we’d done so well in the game. In the first half, we had a lot of possession but didn’t make a lot of things happen. But, in the second, I felt they were there to be beaten. ‘We scored two good goals and just had to see out the game. But one ball in kills us and they end up nicking a draw. ‘We’ve got to learn to kill teams off. I don’t know how many dead balls, corners and free-kicks we had. Sometimes football can be so beautiful and, at other times, so cruel.’ Accies seem caught in the quandary of how to maintain a potent attacking threat without comprising defensively. Getting the balance right will be key to where they end up this season. ‘We’re upset at only coming away with a
point but at least we’re scoring again,’ added Oakley. ‘Creating and scoring chances has been a big problem so to get two was important. But it’s about getting a balance in the team. ‘In other games, we’ve defended well but not had the breaks in attack and came away with draws. Now we need to get the right mix of defending well with taking our chances and we’ll be back winning games soon.’ One of the biggest talking points was referee Colin Steven’s decision to book Oakley for simulation after tumbling in the box. The forward insisted he wasn’t looking for a penalty but just couldn’t keep his feet with two defenders closing in on him. ‘It wasn’t a dive. I had the ball and was starting to fall but trying to keep my footing. Then I was sandwiched by defenders and went over. ‘When I stood back up, I wasn’t looking for a penalty. I was pointing to the ref that the first contact happened outside the box. But he thought I dived. I tried to explain but, once they’ve made their decision, you can’t get on their case.’ Oakley at least had a first goal since August to celebrate shortly afterwards. ‘It was something I wanted really badly. I want to keep doing my bit for the team so it was nice to play my part. ‘ I was almost 100-per-cent certain I was going to be the match-winner going into the last few minutes but it wasn’t to be.’
Meanwhile, County striker Graham hopes his fifth goal of the season will be enough to earn him a regular spot in the Staggies’ starting line-up. He had to settle for a place on the bench on Saturday as co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell opted for Lee Erwin and Mckay instead. Graham made the most of his late sub appearance, scoring a vital goal just as he did at Easter Road the weekend before. The striker did start in the 4-0 defeat by Rangers last midweek but felt it would be harsh to judge him on that. ‘It’s very frustrating when you come on and score last week to be back on the bench,’ he said. ‘I got a chance against Rangers but is it really a chance against
Rangers? Because you don’t see much of the ball. It was a sore one to take to be left out again but I’ll keep fighting for my place for the rest of the season. All you can do is come on and try to make an impact and I’ve been doing that recently.’