McNulty strikes as misfiring Hamilton suffer costly blow

ONE by one, the chances came and went for Hamilton. Twenty seven shots, read the final figure.

This relegation scrap is very much a numbers game. But with only four matches remaining, Accies can’t allow this to be the theme for the rest of the season. Otherwise, they will be counting down until their fate is sealed.

Brian Rice’s men fell behind to Marc McNulty’s early opener for Dundee United. From then on, the frustration grew.

Their failure to take one of the many opportunities that came their way proved costly.

Sure, only two points separate them in bottom spot and 11th-placed Kilmarnock. But time is running out. Now winless in eight games, the Premiership’s great escapists have little room for error in this survival battle.

‘I can’t believe we didn’t win, never mind draw,’ said Rice. ‘With the amount of chances and the way we played, that’s the best we’ve been this season.

‘I thought the goal was coming when you’ve got that amount of possession and you’re playing as well as we were.

‘We made a mistake at the other end and Dundee United did a job on us. But I can’t be any more proud than I am today. It was a great response.

‘No fear. I keep saying that about the young ones. I’m disappointed and I’m gutted about the result because of the effort they put in.

‘I’m a great believer if you keep doing the right things, it will change. Keep believing. It comes down to hard work.’

United took the lead after just six minutes. Accies goalkeeper Kyle Gourlay, starting in place of Ryan Fulton — who dislocated his knee in a freak accident outside his house this week — took a poor goal-kick. The ball landed straight at Jeando Fuchs, who passed to

McNulty in the box and the calmly striker fired home.

Scott McMann nearly equalised for Hamilton just before the half-hour mark. The wing-back let fly from 20 yards but his drive was parried by Benjamin Siegrist.

The United keeper was called into action again a few minutes later, this time pushing clear a vicious shot from Kyle Munro.

Hamilton were being patient. Having knocked the ball around United’s penalty area, Lee Hodson eventually headed towards Ross Callachan in the six-yard box but he was stretching as he poked his effort over the bar.

McMann’s terrific delivery found Hakeem Odoffin at the back post but his header sailed just wide seven minutes before the break.

The hosts kept pressing after the interval. Callachan saw a shot from blocked by Siegrist and Munro headed the rebound wide.

On the hour, the United keeper got a hand to a low drive by Odoffin from the edge of the box.

McNulty and Accies defender Aaron Martin were booked on 75 minutes after a challenge which led to both players squaring up.

Tannadice boss Micky Mellon, whose side are now mathematically safe, said: ‘It’s a great win and another clean sheet. It’s our first win on a 4G pitch for a long time.

‘I’m pleased that we now know we’ll play in the Premiership next season after coming up in terms of development.’

HAMILTON (3-4-2-1): Gourlay; Hamilton, Martin, Easton (C Smith 79); Hodson, Odoffin, Hughes, McMann; Callachan, Munro; Anderson.

Subs (not used): Scully, Stirling, Stanger, Moyo, Redfern. Booked: Martin.

DUNDEE UTD (4-4-2): Siegrist; L Smith, Edwards, Reynolds, Robson; Fuchs (Hoti 71), Butcher, Harkes (Pawlett 57), Sporle (Clark 57); Shankland

(Appere 84), McNulty.

Subs (not used): Mehmet, Connolly, Chalmers, Bolton, K Smith. Booked: Robson, McNulty.

Referee: Bobby Madden.