Billy Reid eyes more joy against United as Hamilton look to build on derby win

Hamilton manager Billy Reid has urged his players to use the confidence gained from last weekend's Lanarkshire derby triumph to continue their impressive record against Dundee United.

Hamilton secured their first league win at Fir Park for almost 30 years when they held out for a 1-0 victory against Motherwell last weekend.

Despite watching his players clinch only their second win of the season, Reid was frustrated with their second-half performance after Motherwell pinned them back.

But he hopes the three points will have a steadying impact on their season as Hamilton target a fourth win over United since returning to the top flight just over two years ago.

"It's a team we have done pretty well against," Reid said. "I watched them against Motherwell and I thought they were pretty unlucky to lose that (League] Cup tie.

"The teams are pretty even, I think whoever wins the midfield battle will win the game."

Reid added: "Sometimes you get a team you do pretty well against, you can never put your finger on it. It's just strange how it has come about. But they will know that as well. They will come here and be fully focused on this game, I guarantee that."

Reid branded his side's second-half performance in the Lanarkshire derby "horrible" but understood their caution after failing to see out victories in previous weeks.

"I think it was a case of just getting over the line," he said. "The first half we played really well and played the way we want to play. The second half we just didn't turn up.

"But I think after losing 2-0 leads to Kilmarnock with ten minutes to go, and against St Mirren, there was a wee bit of nervousness which crept in amongst the players.

"I don't know why, but football is like that, once you have been pegged back a few times it's in your mind."

The return of captain Alex Neil is likely to calm such nerves in coming weeks. The midfielder has been pivotal in Hamilton's success under Reid, both through his composed play in the heart of the action and his leadership qualities.

"Alex Neil played 25 minutes (at Fir Park], which is a huge, huge boost for us," Reid said. "He won't start the game but he will be in the squad.

"Every manager will tell you that in modern-day football, having a captain on the park who leads his players is massive.

"I can't speak any more highly of Alex Neil, he is huge for us on the park and off the park. He has played a big, big part in the development of our younger players at the football club as well."

For Dundee United, midfielder Danny Swanson is out with a facial injury. Craig Conway, Scott Severin, Darren Dods and Mihael Kovacevic are all doubtful for the visitors.