McPhee finally strikes

Hamilton Acas 1 0 Raith Rovers

ANopportunist strike by Brian McPhee with just four minutes left gifted a Hamilton a vital three points at home to bottom side Raith Rovers.

McPhee pounced upon some poor defensive play to rifle the ball into the bottom corner for only goal.

The strike - and the end result - was thoroughly deserved after the Accies had dominated the proceedings for the most part; all that had been lacking in the previous 85 minutes was a clinical touch in front of goal.

McPhee was close to giving his side to lead in the early stages. On four minutes Mark Corcoran raced clear on the left and cut the ball back for McPhee, whose low shot was touched onto the post by keeper Rudy Pounoussamy.

The two combined again on eight minutes with McPhee the provider on this occasion.

He beat Pounoussamy to the ball on the right wing and his cross found Corcoran at the back post, but his header landed on the roof of the net.

On 13 minutes Herve Ebanda had an effort well saved by Accies goalkeeper David McEwan before Corcoran was booked for diving.

Corcoran and Chris Aitken both passed up further good opportunities when they really ought to have scored.

McPhee headed over from an Aitken cross in 43 minutes and then saw his right-foot shot brilliantly saved by Pounoussamy on the stroke of half time.

After the interval there were fewer openings, but John Martin was unfortunate for Raith with his shot on the break.

With 20 minutes remaining Corcoran was released on goal, but Pounoussamy turned his shot away.

Ebanda then broke free for the visitors and fed Darren Brady only for his powerful header to find the safe hands of McEwan.

Substitute Brian Carrigan and McPhee pressed for the home side and with time becoming a real worry for Hamilton, McPhee stepped up to take the plaudits.

The front man could well have added a second in the final minute, but his lob from 25-yards fell inches wide.

Man of the match: Pounoussamy

Hamilton Ac: McEwan, Fyfe (Keogh 63), Hodge, Thomson, McLaughlin, Waddell, Tunbridge, Aitken (Carrigan 71), McPhee, Ferguson (Hamilton 82), Corcoran. Subs not used: Carney, Jellema.

Booked: Corcoran (16 unsporting behaviour), Ferguson (68 unsporting behaviour).

Raith Rovers: Pounoussamy, Mendy (Sacko 64), Miller, Smart, Dennis, Bartholome, Davidson, Ouattara, Ebanda, Martin (Young 87), Brady. Subs not used: Malcolm, Raffel, Hall. Booked: Mendy (55 unsporting behaviour), Davidson (86 unsporting behaviour).

Referee: I Fyfe.

Copyright 2004 SMG Sunday Newspapers Ltd.
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