IF HAMILTON falter further in the run-in to the First Division championship they will not only rue their visits to McDiarmid Park where they've failed to pick up any points, but also that goal line technology remains more of a talking point rathe
r than a reality in football.
A controversial goal from Peter MacDonald was the difference between the teams as a lob in the 81st minute was scrambled off the line by Brian Easton. Referee Euan Norris, however, had no hesitation in immediately turning to the centre spot – even while both sets of players battled over the loose ball.
Arguments of whether it was a goal or not aside, few would quibble that Saints were the better side on the day.
They'd thrashed Accies 4-1 at home earlier in the season and were confident they could win again, having lost only one game under coach Derek McInnes.
Indeed, although they were trailing at half-time they must have felt that was an injustice having had the better half.
But there was more than a touch of the "sweet science" in the manner in which Mark Gilhaney sized up St Johnstone full back Gary Irvine like a prize fighter, before taking him apart for Hamilton's opening goal in 30th minute. A quick left jab of his left foot killed a cross from Alex Neil on the bone-hard pitch and wrong-footed Irvine. Gilhaney paused, then a lightening quick double-whammy with his right as he cut back inside left the defender totally disorientated before the winger slammed a right hook of a shot, flashing past Alan Main in at the far corner. It was a guide to clinical finishing.
Saints had been profligate in front of goal, notably Andy Jackson and David Weatherston, and substitute Steven Milne maintained the trend in the 55th when MacDonald set him up in the six-yard box only to see the ball spin wide.
However St Johnstone got a deserved equaliser through one of their most impressive performers, Liam Craig, in the 77th minute. The midfielder surged into the box to get on the end of MacDonald's long ball and did not break stride as he smashed it past Halliwell.
Four minutes later they took the lead when Hamilton full back Tom Parratt sclaffed a clearance and MacDonald swooped on the loose ball, flicking it over Alan Main. Whether or not it crossed the line, few would grudge MacDonald a well earned goal. Except, of course, Billy Reid. It must have left a bitter taste as there are now only four points between Hamilton and Dundee.
The full article contains 453 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
