Thistle fans

By Graham Barnstaple
January 13 2012

Accies and Thistle failed to entertain the 2401 who turned out on Friday night, although the last ten minutes will live long in the memory, at least.

The first half of the game, watched by representatives from all 12 SPL clubs, had little to talk about it, apart from two penalty claims. The first was for Thistle, Mensing tried to usher the ball out for a goal kick but was robbed by Doolan. Mensing looked to have hauled the striker over but the ref waved play on.

At the other end the Accies had a shout for a penalty themselves when a cross from the left appeared to hit the hand of Darren Cole but once again the ref waved play on.

Dougie Imrie was the subject of an offer from Dundee Utd this week, and he had a chance to impress at the start of the second half. He robbed Darren Cole of the ball and was allowed clean through on Fox but he could only blast over, not sure that would have impressed many scouts.

Thistle had a couple of half chances when Naismith and Rowson had close range efforts blocked by Cerny with the help of his defence.

With ten minutes to go Accies took the lead, McAllister was fouled just inside the Thistle half, with the home fans and players looking for a free kick the ref waved play on. This allowed sub Anderson to cross for one of the other subs, Spence, to flick the ball away from the despairing dive of Fox.

As the game headed into stoppage time, Thistle won a corner as they pressed for an equaliser. Before the kick could be taken the game was stopped and Alan Archibald was shown a red card, when Imrie came over to the dug out with blood pouring from his eye, we knew why!!

The game was watched by 2401 fans, 750 visitors, which was 900 up on the last home game played at NDP. Everyone at Hamilton was delighted with the experiment, and I am sure they will be looking to repeat it before the end of the season.