Morris on target in Hamilton rout
Carlton Morris marked his full debut for Hamilton with a goal in a convincing 4-0 win over Dundee United in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Ali Crawford, Lucas Tagliapietra and Christian Nade were also on target at New Douglas Park as Accies secured their first victory of the new campaign in style.
They had headed into the match seeking not only their first win, but also their first goal of the season.
And the home side handed a first start to on-loan Norwich forward Morris as they attempted to rectify the goalscoring situation.
But it was Crawford who almost drew first blood with less than 30 seconds on the clock with a well-struck drive from the edge of the area that fell just over.
Hamilton certainly started the match in a positive manner and were threatening the United goal again soon after.
Gramoz Kurtaj rounded Coll Donaldson before trying his luck with a shot from a tight angle that was blocked by goalkeeper Luis Zwick at the near post.
The pressure paid off when Hamilton surged into the lead on 19 minutes. Crawford embarked on an impressive run before dispatching a low shot beyond the grasp of Zwick from 20 yards.
Bolstered by a deserved opening goal, Accies set about trying to add to their advantage.
Kurtaj was again denied by the keeper at the near post, before Darian Mackinnon hooked a ferocious shot just over with Zwick apparently beaten.
The United keeper was plucking the ball out of the net again after 36 minutes when Tagliapietra nodded home at the back post from six yards from Crawford's cross from the right.
And a rampant Accies were celebrating again three minutes later when Morris capitalised on a mistake by John Souttar to burst through on goal before poking home through Zwick's legs.
United tried to mount a comeback after the break when Darko Bodul released Blair Spittal through on goal but his effort was comfortably smothered by Michael McGovern in the Accies goal.
While some away fans vented their frustration at boss Jackie McNamara, the home support showed their appreciation of Morris with rapturous applause when he was withdrawn for Nade with just over 20 minutes to go.
And Nade added his name to the scoresheet by completing the rout with a simple finish from close range in injury time as Accies claimed a crucial win.
Source: PA
