Hamilton Academical 2
Dundee 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

Dundee went down 2-1 to Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park this afternoon, their third consecutive league defeat by that score. The damage was done with early Hamilton goals from Andreu and Antoine-Curier. Substitute Greg Stewart pulled a goal back in an improved second half performance but Accies held on for a deserved win.

The Dark Blues made two changes, both forced by injury. Simon Ferry replaced Kevin Thomson and Philip Roberts came in for Greg Stewart, who was able to take a place on the bench.

The match couldn't have started much worse for the Dark Blues. In a first half of few chances Accies finished off the only two good opportunities that came their way, both in the first quarter of an hour. Each time Dundee were caught out by a long cross beyond the far post.

Accies won a corner after three minutes. Dundee cleared but Gillespie fired a long crossfield pass to the far side of the penalty area where Mikey Devlin was still lurking. The big centre back got the better of Paul McGinn in the air, heading back towards the near post where Tony ANDREU nipped in to nod past Scott Bain.

After 14 minutes Accies extended their lead. Hendrie hit a deep cross that found ANTOINE-CURIER free beyond the far post. The former Dee striker put all his strength into his volley and although Bain got his hands to the ball the power was too much and the ball squirmed into the net.

There were no more chances throughout the first half. Dundee had their full share of possession as Accies were happy to pick their moments to attack. After the second goal the Dark Blues had a long spell of aimless pressure that posed little threat to Accies' rearguard.

Dundee struggled to work men into dangerous positions and Hamilton had little difficulty dealing with the Dee's crosses and hopeful balls into the penalty area. With less of the ball Accies always looked more dangerous when they broke at pace, without doing anything to troubke Bain in the remainder of the half.

The Dark Blues' frustrating first half performance was summed up by the fact that it took until 43 minutes till McGovern was forced to make a save, an easy take from McAlister's 20 yard effort.

Greg Stewart hadn't trained all week, but passed a late fitness test and pressed for a place on the bench. Paul Hartley was happy to agree and sent him on at half time, replacing Martin Boyle. Philip Roberts moved over to the right. However, it was Accies who started the half aggressively, trying to put the match quickly out of Dundee's reach.

Antoine-Curier fired the ball across goal from a very difficult angle. He then missed his kick in front of goal after Andreu had drilled the ball through a crowded penalty area following a corner, though he might well have been offside for that one.

Dundee pushed their way back into the game, assisted by two further substitutions. Craig Wighton and Luka Tankulic came on for Gary Harkins and Philip Roberts. Dundee settled into a 4-4-2 formation with a diamond midfield; Ferry the sitting midfielder, with McAlister and Stewart in the wide positions and Wighton behind the strikers.

The changes brought a swift reward. Greg STEWART picked the ball up in space deep in the Accies' half and hit a fierce shot from 20 yards. The ball swerved wickedly in mid-air in front of McGovern and flew past the startled keeper who got a glove to the shot but could't keep it out.

Stewart's ability made a big difference now and he offered a real threat to Accies. The game had swung emphatically Dundee's way and Hamilton were having to hang on. However, they did so successfully, weathering the storm for a tricky 10 minutes.

After Dundee's spell on top the last 20 minutes were even and open, but the Dark Blues' couldn't force an equaliser. MacKinnon had a half chance for Accies, but couldn't get enough power on his shot to worry Bain. Hendrie found plenty of power with a 20 yard effort, but his shot zipped just wide of the post.

Greg Stewart came close when Clarkon set him up. The shot was deflected and McGovern had to make a great save to push the ball out for a corner. Craig Wighton also went close after Clarkson sent him into the penalty area. The youngster checked inside his man and curled a shot across goal and wide. Accies did manage to get the ball into the net following a free kick, but the referee disallowed the goal. Bain was claiming a high free kick when Canning bundled him and the ball over the line.

Time ran out too quickly for a Dundee side who were chasing the game frantically, and often in too much of a hurry. In injury time Paul Hartley was disappointed to see his squad stretched even more thinly when Gary Harkins picked up an unlikely second yellow card 30 minutes after being substituted. He'd been booked in the first half and when Accies' substitute Jason Scotland wiped out Thomas Konrad, right in front of the away dug out, Harkins stepped forward to have words with Scotland. Both sides piled in, pushing and shoving. Mr Muir and his assistant sorted the rammy out and then showed yellow cards to both Scotland and Harkins. He will now miss the visit to his old club, Partick Thistle, next week.

Last week Dundee had a good first half and a disappointing second half. Today the pattern was reversed. Dundee picked up their game after half time, but there was still a lack of composure. Hamilton can't be begrudged their victory because they took their chances well when they were on top and defended well when under pressure. Today's match was settled in the first 15 minutes and Dundee couldn't improve enough to remedy the early damage.

Match report written by James Christie - Official Dundee website