When our neighbours returned to the SPL last season they revived a relationship which began in 1886 when the newly formed Motherwell won their first game against Hamilton 3-2 at the Roman Road pitch. When Motherwell became a professional outfit in 1893 another win was recorded, this time 4-1. More of this on Saturday please!
Since those early days the teams have traded results and occasionally the scores have been high. Motherwell had a 5-1 win in 1928 but the Accies got revenge in the 1935 Ne'erday game when they thumped us 6-1 at their patch. Another New Year started with a defeat when goals from Stevie Kirk and Paul Smith were only a consolation in the 4-2 loss in 1987.
Hamilton won the last meeting of the teams at Douglas Park in January 1989 but the 2-0 scoreline didn't prevent them being relegated. Our first visit to their new stadium was draw 1-1 when Derek Adams's equaliser levelled the game in a July 2003 friendly.
Last season Motherwell took all six points in the league meetings at Fir Park. In November a double from Chris Porter sealed a 2-0 win and last Valentine's Day saw David Clarkson score the only goal of the game.
On Saturday Accies will find themselves at the foot of the table facing a revived 'Well side confident with three wins and a draw in the last four league games. However, as they say in all the financial adverts - past performance gives no guarantee of future trends!