St Mirren's happy place could be SPL coup de grace for struggling Accies

Published on Sunday 1 May 2011 14:42

ST MIRREN manager Danny Lennon will set his team out to win their Clydesdale Bank Premier League relegation battle against Hamilton today despite the knowledge a draw would leave Accies with an all but impossible task to avoid the drop.

Saints are nine points above bottom club Hamilton - and 12 goals better off - with three games left after their bank holiday meeting.

However, only victory at St Mirren Park would allow the home side to celebrate their survival in the top flight for a fifth consecutive season.

Saints have won their previous two home games - against Hamilton and Aberdeen - and have performed well in three away games since. Late goals denied them a point against both Celtic and Rangers before they edged closer to safety with a draw against Hibernian.

Lennon said: "The way we're playing, at home and the level of performances we're putting in on a consistent basis, we are capable of taking maximum points. Hamilton have been picking up points recently and they will certainly have a right go because they have to win the game.

"But we've got our players in a happy place at this moment and if we continue to get those levels of performance we'll give ourselves the opportunity to win games.

"We've got a great opportunity, in front of our fans, in our own environment, to write our own history."

Lennon has captain John Potter and top goalscorer Michael Higdon back from suspension, while midfielder Hugh Murray will set a club record of 459 appearances if he plays.

Hamilton defender David Buchanan believes the game presents an opportunity for Accies players to secure their futures - either at New Douglas Park or at another club.

Former Bury left-back Buchanan believes all Hamilton players should be using the run-in to showcase their abilities.

"Everyone is playing for their future, whether it is to stay at this club or find another club in the SPL or the First Division or wherever it may be," he said. "We know where we stand. We have to win every game. It's never over until it's over but we haven't even won a home game all season, so it's a big ask.

"But the television cameras have been at our games in the last couple of weeks and teams are trying to recruit for next season, Hamilton included. So it's important that you put yourself in the shop window by trying to put in a positive performance."

Buchanan, who was brought to Hamilton by Billy Reid last summer, is keeping his options open. "I'm out of contract at the end of the season," he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone at the club yet, obviously they will have their own agenda if they do get relegated. I have a few clubs in the SPL and in England that are interested, which is positive."

However, he added: "I have too much respect for the people here, and I will sit down and see where I am with them first and then take it from there."