Clarkson strike is derby winner

Feb 18 2009 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL took the honours in the third Lanarkshire derby of the season thanks to a David Clarkson strike on the stroke of half-time.

It was the striker's 50th goal for the Fir Park club and one which extended the team’s unbeaten run to nine games.

With other results in the top flight proving charitable, this win puts Motherwell right back into contention for a top six spot and a renewed assault on that coveted third spot in the table.

The result was Hamilton’s first defeat in seven matches.

However, they will consider themselves unlucky to return across the Clyde without taking anything from a hard-fought encounter which was played on a difficult surface.

The Steelmen’s South Lanarkshire rivals started brightly and dominated almost all of the first period.

Young livewire James McCarthy proved particularly troublesome for the Fir Park defenders.

Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith was kept busy and brought off two excellent saves, one in either half.

The first, from a Kenny Deuchar header in five minutes, involved him redirecting his dive in mid-air to turn the ball acrobatically behind his goal.

Hamilton had the ball in the net from the ensuing corner but referee McDonald rather harshly chalked it off for an apparent handball.

Accies continued to pressure the Motherwell goal and an error by Stephen Craigan was pounced upon by McCarthy but the 18-year-old couldn’t keep his shot down and blasted the effort over the bar.

Mark McGhee’s men struggled to get a foothold in the game but, just as the match appeared to be heading for a goal-less first half, Clarkson netted in injury time to give ‘Well an unexpected lead.

Steven Hammell did well to break into the visitors’ box from the left and his shot was parried out by keeper Cerny but Clarkson was on hand to stab the ball into the net.

Accies defender Mark McLaughlin will probably feel he should have done better with his goal-line clearance attempt.

The restart saw the SPL’s newest members push hard for an equaliser. In the 54th minute, Motherwell ‘keeper Smith was forced to pull off his second terrific save of the afternoon when he got down quickly to block a ferocious drive from Alex Neil. This effort was to prove Accies’ best chance and, as the clock ran down, the home side began to create some opportunities to extend their lead.

On-loan Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan came close with an smart turn and shot which went narrowly over.

With 10 minutes left, Paul Quinn twisted and turned in the box and was brought down by Cerny in a manner that would not have been out of place at Murrayfield.

But astonishingly, the referee waved play on, which baffled even Accies manager Billy Reid who called it a “stonewall” penalty.

Hamilton were now chasing an equaliser and their previous sharp passing game was neglected in favour of a more direct, route-one style.

But this method proved fruitless and the visitors created few chances, with Motherwell holding out for victory and three more valuable points.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Darren Smith (Fitzpatrick 82), Klimpl (Lasley 86), Hughes, O'Brien, Sheridan, Clarkson (Murphy 90). Subs Not Used: Krysiak, Malcolm, Sutton, McGarry.

Booked: Quinn.

Goal: Clarkson 45.

Hamilton: Cerny, Canning, McLaughlin, McClenahan, Swailes (McGowan 67), McArthur, Neil, McCarthy, Easton, Deuchar (Offiong 66), Mensing (Thomas 81). Subs Not Used: Murdoch, Gibson, Lyle, Quinn.

Booked: McArthur, Easton.

Attendance: 5917

Referee: D McDonald