More important than the handful of points that separate us from Hamilton are the seven that distance us from Kilmarnock in the dreaded play-off place. But the manager in his post match comments made it clear that his priority is to increase those gaps and the aim is a repeat of the three match winning streak that we enjoyed in December.
Happy boys!
The game was fiercely fought and perhaps the referee’s early declaration that over physical challenges would result in a caution prevented the spilling of blood. Hamilton had to rein in their challenges after three early yellows. It was pleasing to see that we matched them and refused to be flattened.
The win was our first since 2009 on that pitch and we’ll hope that chatter about hoodoo grounds can now be forgotten. McGhee chose to praise his goal scorer, the unlikely Louis Laing. He is convinced that we have a fine footballer in development. From the Hamilton angle, Canning regretted their missed chances in the first half and argued that there was little between the teams.
The win followed our success against Partick Thistle last week and, in the nature of this season’s bottom half, we find ourselves in the giddy height of seventh place. Others have games in hand but nevertheless there will be some relief in the back rooms of Fir Park that a little breathing space has been created.
Friday night football awaits with the forthcoming visit of Dundee United. A third consecutive win would allow us to concentrate on those ahead rather than the chasing pack.