McCarthy rediscovers his shooting boots in vital win

Published on Monday 4 May 2009 09:57

JAMES McCARTHY'S first goals in four months handed Hamilton a crucial 2-1 win at home to Kilmarnock, but the midfielder insists there is "still a long way to go" in this season's relegation battle.

The 18-year-old's strikes early in each half moved the New Douglas Park team up two places to eighth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, six points clear of basement side Falkirk.

McCarthy, who had not scored since December, was quick to praise the contribution of some of his unsung team mates as last season's promoted side bid to earn a second successive season in the top flight for the first time in their history.

He said: "It's been a long time so I was delighted to get back on the scoresheet, but the most important thing was to get three points, especially as other results didn't go our way. I'm delighted to score as that's something I need to add to my game.

"This was a great team performance where everybody fought for each other. It's like a big family here and the most important thing is to stay in this league.

"A lot of boys who are massive players for the club don't get enough credit the jobs they do.

"Mark McLaughlin held us at the back, Martin Canning was magnificent there, Alex Neil is the club captain and leads by example, and everyone worked their socks off and battled for a great result."

Kilmarnock swapped places with Hamilton following the defeat, in which their consolation came from a Jamie Hamill penalty in injury time, and now find themselves just three points in front of Falkirk, who are Saturday's visitors to Rugby Park.