Zander's a real Diamond - McGhee

Flavio Paixao had headed home a 62nd-minute corner as Aberdeen appeared set for a fourth consecutive defeat.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.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."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."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."McGhee added: "I felt we deserved a draw. We could have nicked it but that would have been harsh on Hamilton."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.And Hamilton manager Billy Reid was disappointed his side could not hold on for what he felt would have been a well-merited win."I thought we were the better side," he said. "The first half we completely dominated and passed it really well."My only criticism is we didn't create enough chances or work the keeper enough but that sometimes happens."I told the players Aberdeen would have to lift their game because they were completely outplayed in the first half."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."We got our goal and we had a penalty shout. Then we switched off at a set-piece and they scored."After that we looked the more likely and we had two or three great chances."Reid refused to comment on referee Stephen Finnie, who denied Accies a strong penalty shout for Jim Paterson's challenge on Dougie Imrie.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."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."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."I didn't think the referee was going to send him off, the fourth official didn't either."

Source: Team_Talk