Hamilton 1 - 2 Inverness CT: Same old story for Accies as Caley claim fourth win in a row

Published on Friday 13 May 2011 16:30

This was Hamilton's season in microcosm: dominating proceedings, spurning opportunities (including a penalty) and shooting themselves in the foot.

It was yet another case of "if only" for the Lanarkshire club, who will surely be among the ante-post favourites for promotion from the First Division come August.

Accies had the better of the early exchanges without really looking like improving their goals-for column. However, they at last forced a save from Jonny Tuffey, who fisted away a cross-shot from David Buchanan in the 17th minute.

The bulk of the action took place around Tuffey's goal so to describe Inverness's opening goal as being against the run of play would be an understatement.

Aaron Doran was the architect, taking on and outwitting Buchanan on the right wing. In fairness, his cross was a complete mis-hit and there was every chance his wayward delivery, which arced over the helpless Tomas Cerny, would have drifted under the crossbar but Richie Foran removed any doubt by nodding the ball home from a yard out.

Hamilton deservedly restored parity in the 50th minute, Simon Mensing heading home unchallenged from a Gary McDonald corner.

Unfortunately for Accies, they failed to build on that platform and soon found themselves trailing again. On this occasion, over- deliberation cost them.

Buchanan rolled the ball to Ali Crawford, who allowed himself to be dispossessed by Nick Ross. He spotted Adam Rooney in space and the Irishman rarely requires a second chance. Sure enough, he notched his 22nd goal of the season with a composed finish from 12 yards.

Mensing should have equalised from the penalty spot after Tuffey upended Dougie Imrie but he went for power rather than precision and his effort rebounded from the underside of the bar.

All the remaining chances fell to Hamilton but Jim McAlister contrived to put the ball over the bar from four yards after Tuffey had kept out a header from Imrie and Mensing missed the target with a header from point-blank range.

Inverness manager Terry Butcher admitted that his side had been fortunate to prevail. "How we won that game I do not know. For 44 minutes that was absolute guff," he said.

"I didn't explode afterwards because it's the last game of the season and we've just won four in a row over a hectic period. If anyone had said we'd win all four I'd have thought they'd been drinking.

"What should have been a happy dressing room today is a sad one because a lot of the boys are saying goodbye.

"We've got one more emotional fish-and-chip stop in Auchterarder to come. It's been a wonderful season, far beyond our expectations."Butcher also remains hopeful of persuading Rooney, whose contract is due to expire, to commit his immediate future to the Highlanders.

"We're optimistic that Adam will stay," he said. "His value will increase dramatically if he does. People are saying: 'He's had a good first year in the SPL but can he do it again?' but that's up to them.

"We are sure, we love him at the club and we want him to stay. I think he'll definitely score 20 goals next season and he'll be a huge loss if he goes."