Hamilton enjoyed a dream start to life in the SPL with a 3-1 win over Dundee United at New Douglas Park.
New boys get off to flying start
Hamilton enjoyed a dream start to life in the SPL with a 3-1 win over Dundee United at New Douglas Park.
The SPL new boys recovered from going a goal down from Mark McLaughlin's unfortunate own goal, but strikes from Tony Stevenson, James McArthur and David Graham gave Billy Reid's side the perfect start to the season.
Hamilton started brightly and created the first chance of the contest after just four minutes when David Graham burst down the right and fired in a shot which United keeper Lukasz Zaluska tipped over the crossbar.
The home side continued to call the tune early on and Zaluska had to be alert to keep out a header from Chris Swailes.
Dundee United were gifted the lead on 23 minutes when the unfortunate McLaughlin dived to head Willo Flood's cross into his own net.
The lead proved short-lived as Hamilton hit back just six minutes later with Tony Stevenson seeing his free-kick deflected in on Morgaro Gomis.
Hamilton took the lead on 39 minutes with a controversial effort from McArthur.
Controversial
McLaughlin got on the end of Stevenson's free-kick to send his header across the face of goal and McArthur bundled the ball home with what looked like his arm.
United defenders appealed for handball, but referee Stuart Dougal waved away their appeals and allowed the goal to stand.
After a quiet start to the second half tempers threatened to boil over on 55 minutes when Flood was booked for a heavy tackle on McCarthy.
Hamilton grabbed a third goal on 63 minutes when Offiong slipped as he tried to race clear on goal, but Graham was on hand to slide the ball into the bottom corner.
United threw everything into attack in a bid to get back into the game and Lee Wilkie was denied a goal when he saw his close range header kept out by Tomas Cerny.
Cerny came to the rescue again eight minutes from time when he produced a flying save to keep out substitute Francisco Sandaza's effort.
Three minutes later Cerny was called into the action again when he tipped over Warren Feeney's header.
