Hamilton 3-1 Dundee Utd: Hamilton hammer out warning

HAMILTON 3
Stevenson (29) McArthur 39) Graham (63)
DUNDEE UTD 1
McLaughlin (23 og)

HAMILTON last night raised a title flag and then issued a warning to those who believe the club's SPL stay will prove as temporary as the hastily-erected stand which sits on their stadium's far touchline. Twenty years on from their last victory in Scotland's top league – also against Dundee United – came another, more glorious triumph.

Hamilton simply started where they left off last season, and trashed the notion that their dominant home form had been due to their synthetic surface. This was an authentic dismantling of a side expected to ride high in the league this season. There were no artificial properties at work here – only old-fashioned work ethic and, for those who paid little attention to the team's progress last season, a perhaps surprising level of skill. These qualities helped the home side overcome the loss of an opening goal after just 23 minutes when Mark McLaughlin headed into his own net, although the defender made up for this by scoring his side's second, with help from James McArthur. This strike was bookended by goals from Tony Stevenson and David Graham.

It was a case of better late than never as Hamilton returned to a league they last graced in 1989. An even longer wait was necessary due to the demands of television, with both teams knowing that a two-goal victory would lift them to the top of the SPL after weekend results. Hamilton bettered Inverness Caledonian Thistle's result against Aberdeen by dint of scoring more goals, and can today look down on every other club in Scotland.

Although they lost the opening goal Hamilton's half-time lead reflected the balance of play in the first-half, and demonstrated just how difficult a trip to New Douglas Park will prove this season. Energy and desire was married to no little skill. Just as these qualities frustrated rival teams in the First Division last season so they will again combine to test more talented opponents during the coming campaign. Hearts are the next to visit here in the league, and will do so with some trepidation. Despite the lengthy exile from the top league Hamilton displayed few nerves, with their front pairing of Richard Offiong and Graham providing the United defence with a stern test.

Graham was first to show, turning United left-back Danny Grainger with ease and shooting high towards the near corner of the United net. Lukasz Zaluska was its match, and the United keeper had to be alert once more at his near post after Offiong robbed Lee Wilkie. He later surpassed these stops with a brilliant block on his line from a Chris Swailes header.

United were learning all about this fortress they call New Douglas Park. Hamilton did not lose a single home match in the league last season, and conceded only three goals. Critics argued about the advantage provided by the artificial turf. This, however, is no longer a factor, with Hamilton – in keeping with SPL rules – having replaced the old surface with grass so lush it might have been borrowed from the front of the White House. Indeed, if anything, it seemed too long. Underfoot conditions were not a consideration when United took a 23rd minute lead, however. The away side had provoked danger already from balls fired in from the left wing, and Willo Flood provided another. It was aimed at Warren Feeney but found instead McLaughlin. The consequence was no less desirable as far as United were concerned, with the centre-back heading the ball past his own goalkeeper.

However, the hosts equalised 13 minutes later, and it was a goal their efforts had merited. Tony Stevenson claimed their historic maiden SPL strike from a free-kick just outside the United box, and after a foul on James McCarthy. The right-back stepped up and took advantage of a poorly-organised wall. Zaluska, too, will be distressed at his positioning.

There was even more for Hamilton to cheer when they claimed the lead after 39 minutes. This time Stevenson was the architect, again from a free-kick. McLaughlin redeemed himself by managing to climb above Darren Dods and planted a header back towards goal. The eager McArthur might have touched the ball as it made its way into the net but McLaughlin's need to claim it was greater, as was his contribution.

Craig Levein responded by replacing Prince Buaben with playmaker Danny Swanson at half-time. He also made his way to the dug-out from his seat in the stand and urged his United players on.

But it was Hamilton who looked to exert a stranglehold as the second-half wore on, and managed to claim a third goal in the 63rd minute. Offiong slipped when about to shoot on the edge of the United box, but, as the away defence remained static, Graham took over from his team-mate and rifled a low shot into the net.

Hamilton: Cerny, Stevenson, Easton, McLaughlin, Swailes, Mensing, McArthur, McCarthy (Lyle 90), Neil, Graham (Corcoran 67), Offiong (Akins 67). Subs not used: Murdoch, Elebert, Sorsa, Taylor. Booked: McLaughlin, Graham.

Dundee Utd: Zaluska, Dillon, Grainger, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Feeney, Scott Robertson, O'Donovan (Sandaza 68), Gomis, Buaben (Swanson 46). Subs not used: McGovern, Daly, Kenneth, Kovacevic, McCord. Booked: Buaben, Grainger, Flood, Swanson.