WE ARE WELL OFF THE PACE
Sinking Steelmen are put to the sword by Hamilton
IN the aftermath of a dreadfully insipid Motherwell performance, there was the most telling of lines from interim manager Keith Lasley.
As the former player and captain suggested that there are still ‘some players in there who have this club at heart’, there was an immediate question to mind: Who are the ones who don’t?
This was an afternoon in which the Fir Park side stood accused of a spinelessness performance.
Hamilton, in sharp contrast, were lively, creative, confident and fully deserving of an emphatic win that has lifted them off the foot of the table and up to 10th.
If this showing is a barometer of what is to come, then there’s a very real danger that these Lanarkshire sides switching places.
Motherwell are ahead of bottomplaced Ross County only on goal difference albeit with two games in hand over the Highlanders.
If Motherwell’s New Year started badly with resignation of Stephen Robinson, then this game was not the immediate pick-me-up they craved but rather the opposite as their local rivals took some glee in exploiting the current predicament at Fir Park — this was Accies’ biggest derby win in five years over the Steelmen.
Motherwell goalkeeper Aaron Chapman, unconvincing throughout as he deputised for the injured Trevor Carson, had to push an early effort from Lee Hodson beyond his post in the opening minutes and that proved to be a portent of what was to follow.
Hodson was successful with his next effort as he collected from Andy Winger and steered a right-foot effort into the net for his first goal in almost four years. It was the start of Motherwell’s unravelling, something that irked Lasley.
‘It’s something we have struggled with all season when we have gone behind, being able to punch back, and that gets to me, not having that ability to fight back,’ he said.
‘Since I have been at this club, we have always been able to fight, take adversity and overcome it.’
Ross Callachan doubled Accies’ advantage before turning architect and hanging a beautiful cross for substitute Callum Smith to head in off the post.
There was little indication that Motherwell could force their way back into the game.
A late flurry had Allan Campbell bringing out a save from Kyle Gourlay and Jordan White also drew a stop from the keeper.
But Hamilton never looked in danger of finding themselves pegged back.
Callachan was excellent for the hosts, while David Moyo worked hard but there was a collective in endeavour from Accies, who looked in danger of becoming marooned at the bottom only a few weeks ago.
While much is made of the spirit that Brian Rice has fostered at a club who are perennial favourites for relegation every season, there is more to them than just that as he was keen to point out.
‘People seem to forget I have one or two players who can actually play a bit,’ said the manager.
‘Some think when my players put on an Accies jersey that they can’t play. We went to Ibrox and won (last season) and went to Aberdeen and won. Today, we had a bit of everything. Winning in the first game of the New Year against our local rivals, it can’t get any better than that. I’m just a bit disappointed there were no fans to see it.’
Lasley might be relieved on that front. The suggestion is that he has four games to prove his credentials for getting the job on a permanent basis and he was appreciative that yesterday’s performance and result is an early blot on his copybook.
‘I don’t think it helps, there’s no doubt about that,’ he admitted. ‘But I hope it’s not the defining factor.
‘I’m just gutted for the fans and everyone connected with the club. I’ve been here a long time and my feeling for this club is very strong, so I’m angry.
‘Things are going to happen but my aim is to try to turn the situation around in the short term.’
On that front, he believes he will have the power to ring the changes this month.
‘I was already in the process with Stephen (Robinson) of looking at targets because there was a need there to freshen things up.
‘It is an ongoing process. We have to make changes.’ HAMILTON (3-5-2): Gourlay; Hodson, Hamilton, Martin; McMann, Trafford, Odoffin, Callachan, Easton (Stanger 21); Moyo (Smith 59), Winter (Munro 83). Subs (not used): Scully, Hughes, Mimnaugh, Owolabi, Johnson. Booked: McMann.
MOTHERWELL (4-3-3): Chapman; O’Donnell, Gallagher, Mugabi, Carroll; Grimshaw, Campbell, Hastie (Maguire 66 3); Polworth, Cole (White 56); Watt. Subs (not used): Morrison, McGiunley, Crawford, Seedorf, Devine, Cornelius, Johnston.
Booked: Gallagher.
Referee: Colin Steven.