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Hamilton AcademicalMatch Report
Match Report by Scott Gallacher, Communications Officer & Reporter
Stenhousemuir were held to a goalless draw at Ochilview in William Hill League One, despite a strong performance and a number of major chances throughout the 90 minutes.
Gary Naysmith made three changes from last week’s 4-1 Scottish Cup win over Clachnacuddin, with Archie Graham, Matthew Aitken and Oliver Whyte coming into the starting XI in place of Nicky Jamieson, Ross Taylor and Dale Carrick.
Hamilton produced the first opportunity of the afternoon when Kevin O’Hara attempted an overhead kick inside the opening stages, but his effort flew harmlessly over the bar.
Stenny responded with chances of their own. Matty Aitken hooked a close-range effort over the bar on 12 minutes before Kyle MacDonald tested Darren Jamieson from distance, with the Warriors’ goalkeeper collecting comfortably.
Matty Aitken continued to look lively as he attacked a cross from out wide and rattled the post with a powerful header just after the half-hour mark.
Moments later, Oliver Simpson delivered a dangerous free-kick into the Hamilton box, but no Stenny player could apply the finishing touch.
Another long pass over the top released Matty Aitken again, but his touch just evaded him, allowing Jamie Smith to gather.
The striker came close once more a minute later, flashing a low effort inches wide of the far post.
Half-Time: Stenhousemuir 0-0 Hamilton Academical
Stenhousemuir started the second half brightly. Finlay Gray rose highest to meet a cross but nodded just over.
Soon after, a goalmouth scramble saw Mikey Anderson’s shot ricochet around the six-yard box before being cleared.
The Warriors continued to apply pressure, with Finlay Gray striking narrowly wide from distance just after the hour mark.
At the other end, Hamilton briefly thought they had broken the deadlock, only for the assistant’s flag to cut celebrations short.
The closing stages brought sustained pressure from Stenny. Several late opportunities came and went as the Warriors pushed forward, but they could not force the breakthrough.
Hamilton almost snatched a winner against the run of play when Darren Jamieson produced a vital save in the final minute, with Gregor Buchanan reacting quickly to clear the rebound.
Deep into stoppage time, Euan O’Reilly was denied by a strong save before a last-ditch goalline clearance again frustrated the Warriors as both teams shared points on the afternoon.
Full-Time: Stenhousemuir 0-0 Hamilton Academical
Stenhousemuir: D. Jamieson, Meechan, Simpson (Bilham 71’), Buchanan, Graham, O’Reilly, Aitken, Gray (N. Jamieson 94’), Anderson, Whyte (Cameron 83’), Grant
Unused Subs: Lyle, Ewen
Hamilton Academical: Smith, Hutton, Kilday (McLuckie 53’), O’Hara, Smith, Shaw, Trialist, MacDonald, Robinson, Loughrey, Hendrie
Unused Subs: Marks, Newbury, Morgan, McKinstry, Gallacher, MacKinnon
Bookings: MacDonald 18’, O’Hara 55’, Grant 69’, Smith 74’, Rahtie 76’, Gray 79’
MATCH REPORT:
Match Preview by Scott Gallacher, Communications Officer & Reporter
Stenhousemuir return to league action this Saturday as Hamilton Academical make the trip to Ochilview, with the Warriors looking to build on last weekend’s Scottish Cup victory. Kick-off will be at 3pm
Gary Naysmith’s side head into the fixture with confidence after progressing to the next round of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup courtesy of a 4-1 win over Highland League outfit Clachnacuddin.
Stenny produced a scintillating first-half display, racing into a three-goal lead inside 25 minutes. Mikey Anderson opened the scoring before Ross Taylor added a second six minutes later. Finlay Gray capped off an excellent individual performance with two well-deserved goals, and was inches away from a hat-trick when his late free-kick was tipped onto the post by the Clach keeper.
A late consolation denied Darren Jamieson a clean sheet, but the Warriors’ performance, and clinical edge, offered plenty of encouragement heading back into league duty.
Hamilton arrive following a difficult week. The Accies were knocked out of the Scottish Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Airdrieonians, with Lewis McGrattan, Chris Mochrie and Euan Henderson on the scoresheet for the Diamonds.
The result prompted the resignation of manager John Rankin, with Darian MacKinnon stepping in as interim manager and assuming responsibility for all first-team football operations ahead of Saturday’s match.
The sides last met at Broadwood, where Hamilton claimed a 2-0 victory. Goals from Oliver Shaw and Kevin O’Hara proved the difference on the day, and Stenny will be aiming to put things right on home soil this time around.
