Source: Team_Talk
Zander's a real Diamond - McGhee
Flavio Paixao had headed home a 62nd-minute corner as Aberdeen appeared set for a fourth consecutive defeat.[LNB]But Diamond slotted home Steven MacLean's cutback in the 76th minute after Charlie Mulgrew took a quick free-kick midway inside Hamilton's half to earn the Dons a 1-1 SPL draw.[LNB]McGhee said: "He is one we have needed, he is one who is hurting at the criticism and the results. He showed to the rest of them a little bit of what's required.[LNB]"In some games our reaction and attitude during poor performances has been questioned. In other games it couldn't be questioned. The attitude today was first class.[LNB]"If that frustration and anger and determination that Zander was showing today can rub off on the rest of them, and I think it did, it can only be a good thing."[LNB]McGhee added: "I felt we deserved a draw. We could have nicked it but that would have been harsh on Hamilton."[LNB]Nevertheless, Aberdeen's ninth game without victory has done little for their top-six hopes with Hearts able to move 10 points clear if they win at Dundee United on Sunday.[LNB]And Hamilton manager Billy Reid was disappointed his side could not hold on for what he felt would have been a well-merited win.[LNB]"I thought we were the better side," he said. "The first half we completely dominated and passed it really well.[LNB]"My only criticism is we didn't create enough chances or work the keeper enough but that sometimes happens.[LNB]"I told the players Aberdeen would have to lift their game because they were completely outplayed in the first half.[LNB]"They did that but we brought on (Mickael) Antoine-Curier and the whole game burst open for us, just his presence helps us keep the ball up front.[LNB]"We got our goal and we had a penalty shout. Then we switched off at a set-piece and they scored.[LNB]"After that we looked the more likely and we had two or three great chances."[LNB]Reid refused to comment on referee Stephen Finnie, who denied Accies a strong penalty shout for Jim Paterson's challenge on Dougie Imrie.[LNB]And the Accies boss absolved Diamond of showing malice for a challenge on Imrie that earned him a yellow card while the home fans were baying for red.[LNB]"My view of the tackle was I don't think he meant it," Reid said. "It was slightly accidental but he hasn't half smashed him."[LNB]McGhee added: "The referee had a good view of it and I had a good view of it. I think it was just a little off timing wise.[LNB]"I didn't think the referee was going to send him off, the fourth official didn't either."[LNB][LNB]
