Inverness CT vs Hamilton Academical. Scottish Premiership.
Tulloch Caledonian StadiumAttendance2,478.
Monday 8 May 2017 14:08, UK
Brad Mckay and Greg Tansey scored first-half goals as Inverness kept alive their slim chance of remaining in the Premiership next season, with a 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Hamilton.
On a glorious day in the Highlands, this much-needed victory still leaves the hosts four points adrift at the bottom of the table with just three games remaining - while plunging Saturday's opponents into serious trouble as well.
After dominating the early stages, Inverness took the lead in the 10th minute when Greg Tansey's 35-yard free-kick was curled towards the far post where Brad McKay found space to clip the ball past 'keeper Remi Matthews from six yards.
And a few minutes later, they almost added a second when Billy McKay's effort was blocked by Matthews who spread himself well to deny the midfielder.
A rampant Caley Thistle created another chance in the 20th minute but it was wasted by Henri Anier whose mis-hit shot never threatened Hamilton's goal.
Some terrible defending allowed Inverness to fashion another couple of opportunities: First, Tansey's long-range shot was parried by Matthews and Alex Fisher was unable to convert the rebound as he headed wide from close range.
Moments later it was Billy McKay's turn to spurn another great opportunity, as he missed the target from 15 yards.
Inverness duly added a second goal 10 minutes before the break through a Tansey penalty, which was given after Massimo Donati grabbed Ross Draper around the neck and bundled him to the floor.
Hamilton, who failed to create a single meaningful chance during the opening 45 minutes, made a strong start to the second half with Greg Docherty dragging an effort wide of the far post, while Dougie Imrie was off target from the edge of the box.
The Accies felt aggrieved they were not awarded a penalty by referee Andrew Dallas, after Ali Crawford was brought down from behind by a diving home 'keeper Ryan Esson.
However, with Inverness seemingly intent on not giving too much away after the break as they attempted to preserve their two-goal advantage, the second half failed to create quite as much excitement despite Hamilton enjoying the lion's share of possession.
On an increasingly rare Inverness break in the 72nd minute, Anier flashed an 18-yard effort past the post while - at the other end - Docherty looped a volley over the bar from the edge of the box.
Inverness should have killed the match off 10 minutes from time when an excellent pass by Draper allowed Scott Boden a clear run on goal, but his attempt to chip the advancing keeper from 10 yards also cleared the bar.
Esson saved well from a low Giannis Skondras shot on 88 minutes, before Hamilton snatched a goal with the last kick of the game as Danny Redmond kept his cool to fire home from eight yards after latching onto a loose ball.
The three points may have come too late to save the Highlands side, who ended a run of eight games without a win - and only a second League victory since October - but they did manage to stave off relegation for the time being at least.