SKON CRAZY
Canning blasts ref over Greek stopper’s red card
Raging Martin Canning insists Accies will appeal Giannis Skondras’ dismissal after his 10 men held on for a point.
Canning believes ref Steven McLean blundered by showing Greek defender Skondras a straight red for a foul on Craig Curran in the first half . Hamilton were leading 1- 0 thanks to a superb strike from Massimo Donati and were looking comfortable. But the sending- off was a turning point as Curran later levelled for County. Canning was pleased that the point moved Accies above local rivals Motherwell into 10th on goal difference. But he said: “It is never a sending-off. Giannis has come across but he has slid as he has gone to win the ball. “It is a foul. The boy has nicked it beyond Giannis and because they are both going at speed the referee thinks it is worse than what it is. When you watch it back Giannis hasn’t even tried to tackle the player – he has tried to slide t o block the player knocking the ball beyond him. It is a game-changer. It is a big decision that has gone against us and it is one we will appeal.
“The fact that Jim McIntyre has also said it is not a red card tells you all you need to know. I feel hard done by. The referee did not get it right but they have a difficult job.
“It was a gutsy performance and our desire has got us a point.
“It is those qualities which will determine what will happen between now and the end of the season.
“The last two games have shown we are up for the fight. We have fire in our bellies and are prepared to put bodies on the line and work as hard as we can to get points.”
Accies came flying out the traps and inside 60 seconds Scott McMann’s volley was diverted on target by Alex D’Acol only for Martin Woods to block on the line. But they didn’t have long to wait to bulge the net as Donati crashed home from 20 yards in three minutes. Tim Chow wasted a great chance to level before Curran was taken out by Skondras on the stroke of half-time and McLean produced the red card. County’s Ryan Dow whacked the bar on 57 minutes as the Staggies pressed and team-mate Woods came close with a free-kick. The equal iser arrived on the hour when Woods’ corner wasn’t dealt with and Curran rammed home at the near post. Michael Gardyne fired inches wide in 78 minutes as County chased a winner. But it was Accies who came closest to snatching victory. McMann ran through and forced a fine save from Scott Fox and sub Alex Gogic slammed over from 10 yards when it looked easier to score.