Dougie Imrie heads Hamilton to derby victory
Dougie Imrie grabbed the only goal of the game as Hamilton edged to a 1-0 victory in the Lanarkshire derby against Motherwell.
Last season's four Ladbrokes Premiership clashes between the sides produced 15 goals.
And, although this encounter at New Douglas Park failed to live up to those meetings, Accies will be satisfied with the three points from a closely fought encounter.
The home side were forced to make a late change to their starting line-up when Jesus Garcia Tena arrived at the stadium just 20 minutes before kick-off, having been stuck in traffic.
As a result, Ziggy Gordon deputised at centre-half, with Darren Lyon at right-back, while Carlton Morris recovered from a knock to start up front.
Motherwell handed first starts to both Liam Grimshaw and Theo Robinson, with Scott McDonald dropped to the bench.
Ahead of kick-off, smoke bombs and bangers were left off in the away end, adding to a raucous derby atmosphere.
Hamilton had the ball in the back of the net after nine minutes when Lucas Tagliapietra bundled home Ali Crawford's free-kick, but the goal was disallowed by referee Craig Thomson for a foul by the defender on goalkeeper Connor Ripley.
Motherwell should have opened the scoring two minutes later. Lionel Ainsworth squared from the right into the path of Robinson and he should have hit the net but fired straight at goalkeeper Michael McGovern instead.
Accies claimed for handball when Morris's effort struck Stephen McManus at point-blank range but there was no penalty award.
The home side then hit the woodwork 10 minutes before the break when Crawford let loose a shot from 20 yards that crashed off the crossbar.
Accies were threatening again shortly after the restart when Grant Gillespie tried his luck with an audacious volley from 30 yards that dropped onto the roof of the net.
Robinson then passed up another great chance for Well when he sliced just wide of target from six yards.
The breakthrough came after 72 minutes and it was Hamilton who surged into the lead.
Antons Kurakins whipped a cross from the left to the back post where Imrie beat Joe Chalmers to the ball and nodded past Ripley for the match-deciding goal.
Source: PA
