YFS
Accies remained third behind St. Johnstone and Celtic after the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at New Douglas Park, and continued their unbeaten league run to nine matches. Whilst, Killie managed to retain their ninth place, but could have done with the three points as those teams below them have games in hand.
The match was pretty tame, with neither side at their best, Accies improved on their performance against Celtic on Sunday, but not yet firing on all cylinders. Possession was shared evenly between the sides, but it was Killie that edged it with gilt edged chances.
Kris Boyd had two great first half chances from inside the six yard box, one saved by Alan Martin and the other going past the wrong side of the post. The opening goal was scored by Killie defender Ross Barbour, but the lead didn’t last though as Steven Boyd equalised with only four minutes of time left to play.
Accies made three changes to the line-up that beat Rangers, out were McMann, Cunningham and D’Acol, starting were Turner, Longridge and Kelly. For Kilmarnock, Ridgers replaced Brennan in goal, and Barbour, Hawkshaw and Syme all made the starting XI.
It was on nine minutes when Accies produced a half chance. Steven Boyd’s free kick was struck toward Killie’s back post and Louis Longridge steamed in, but missed with his header. The ball was then cleared, but only as far as Chris Turner who sent his effort wide from twenty five yards.
On fifteen minutes, Mark Dempster crossed to Kris Boyd inside the six yard box. The striker’s first touch was true, but Martin made a magnificent reaction save to deny him. The Hamilton keeper was called into action once more, when he comfortably saved David Carrick’s fifteen yard attempt.
At the other end of the pitch, Steven Boyd produced some great footwork inside the Killie penalty area. The ball then found its way out to Ronan Hughes who steered over the cross bar.
Then as the half drew to a close, Barbour sent the ball wide to Aaron Splaine, who made for the bye line and sent the ball low into the six yard box for Kris Boyd. His effort though only managed to go wide of the post.