Accies battle back to take on look of champions

HAMILTON came from behind to display the resilience of champions and ruin John Brown's first game in charge of Clyde.

CLYDE 2
Arbuckle 3; Imrie 15

HAMILTON 3
Offiong 43, 77; Mensing 56

No doubt buoyed by the presence in the Broadwood stand of new boss Brown, Clyde came flying out the blocks to open up a two-goal lead.

However, inspired by a double from Richard Offiong, Accies came storming back to grab the lead before keeper Bryn Halliwell, a former Clyde player, secured the points with a last-minute penalty save.

Brown didn't have long to wait before witnessing the first goal of his tenure.

Just three minutes had elapsed when David Hutton punted a long free kick into the visitors box and, while the Hamilton defenders hesitated, Gary Arbuckle nipped in to hook a neat volley into the net.

Hamilton's problems intensified after 15 minutes when Clyde stretched their lead with a superb 20-yard free kick from Dougie Imrie, whose left-foot effort left Halliwell helpless.

Clyde almost stretched their further when Chris Higgins flicked on Christian Smith's near post corner only to see Chris Swailes complete a crucial goal-line clearance.

Then Michael McGowan and Arbuckle linked well to set up Imrie whose snapshot was blocked by Halliwell.

McGowan saw a similar shot saved before the keeper came to the rescue with a superb diving save from another netbound Imrie free kick.

Halliwell slumped to the ground after colliding with a post as he tipped the ball over but was able to continue after treatment.

However, the Bully Wee were punished for failing to take their chances as Hamilton grabbed a lifeline before the break.

They had already threatened when a Simon Mensing header was saved by David Hutton but they made no mistake when substitute James McArthur and Mark Gilhaney combined.

Hutton raced from his line but the ball broke to Offiong who picked his spot in an empty net.

Hamilton looked a different side as they emerged for the second half and drew level in 56 minutes when Gilhaney's cross deceived the home defence and Mensing's glancing header trickled in at the far post.

Suddenly the visitors had the look of league leaders and they completed their recovery in 77 minutes when Offiong notched his second with a precise finish from another Gilhaney cross.