Queen of the South 1-2 Hamilton Academical
SPFL Cinch Championship
at Palmerston Park, Dumfries
on Saturday 28th August 2021, kick off 3pm
It was a winning start for Stuart Taylor as he took charge of his Accies side for the first time against Cinch Championship rivals Queen of the South.
Goals from Academy graduates Andy Ryan and Lewis Smith were enough to secure a 2-1 victory.
Nickolas McInally had this report…
The sun was shining in Dumfries as a couple of hundred of Accies fans made the trip south to witness the beginning of a new management era for the club.
New signing Luke Matheson was fit to start the match at right back and attacker David Moyo returned to the starting line-up.
FIRST HALF
We started the match on the front foot as we looked to dominate possession. Midfielder Josh Mullin jinxed his way past Queens defenders and won the first corner of the match on five minutes.
However, the resulting ball was punched clear by the home ‘keeper.
Accies continued to pass and probe their way in the opening 10 minutes of the match. A switch of play gave full back Scott McMann the space and his ball in to the opposition box found Marley Redfern, The midfielder’s shot whistled just over the bar for the first real chance of the match.
The spell of play gave Accies confidence as they looked to put on a show for the travelling support.
Captain Brian Easton found attacker Andy Ryan in a wide position around the 15 minute mark. Ryan’s cross was controlled by David Moyo with his back to goal. However, he was unable to get the shot away as Queens got the ball cleared.
The home side defended well and reminded Accies of the threat they posed towards the end of the first 45′.
The men in blue progressed down the Accies right and entered the box, the attacker cut inside and fired a shot which looked destined for the top corner. However, goalkeeper Ryan Fulton leaped and managed to tip it onto the bar and out for a corner.
Despite this attack by the home side Accies maintained their spell of pressure in the closing stages of the half. Stuart Taylor’s men had a spell of five successive corners in a matter of minutes. However, were unable to get that all important leading goal.
HALF TIME
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH 0 – 0 HAMILTON ACCIES
SECOND HALF
Accies returned for the second half ever more determined to get their noses in front and after 35 seconds of the half they did just that.
A ball in from the Accies left fell for attacker Andy Ryan who was able to knock the ball into the back of the net.
The goal sent the travelling support and players into scenes of elation in the moments that followed.
However, it was a goal which sparked a fantastic contest into life as the home side began to ask more questions of the Accies defence.
Eight minutes into the half the home side were able to pull themselves back level as a ball into the Accies box was thundered off the bar. The rebound was directed towards Ruari Paton at the back post who was able to send his effort goalwards.
The goal brought with it a spell of dominance for the home side as the Accies defence became well tested. However, the 15 minute spell failed to bring the goal the home side desperately fought for.
Accies looked to attacker Lewis Smith to bring a new injection of pace and quality to the match. The Accies academy graduate, making his 50th appearance for us, replaced Marley Redfern on 67 minutes.
It was a change which paid divident as six minutes later Smith was able to notch Accies in front.
A knockdown from attacker David Moyo was directed into the path of the on rushing Smith. The tricky winger struck his shot hard and low past the diving goalkeeper.
The goal was enough to secure Accies returned to Lanarkshire with all three points.
FULL TIME
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH 1 – 2 HAMILTON ACCIES
Speaking after the match Taylor said: “I think the lads thoroughly deserved that today. In the first half we were the better side throughout, they had a little spell in the second but we came straight back into it.”
ACCIES: Fulton, Matheson, McMann. Easton (c), Hamilton, Ryan, Spence, Mullin, Mimnaugh, Moyo, Matheson, Redfern (Smith 67)
Subs unused: Hilton, Virtanen, MacDonald, Want, Stanger, Munro
Cautions: Hamilton, Spence, Minaugh
Att: 1232 (203 Accies)
