A goal from Stevie May – a strike which showed both ingenuity and decisive intent – was a suitable way to earn Hamilton a third win in four matches, but it was not befitting this meeting with Cowdenbeath.
The two sides are now divided by three points in the First Division, but yesterday they were united in toil, both for a useful win and in trying to hold the attention of those in the stand at New Douglas Park.
"We weren't at our best," said Hamilton manager Billy Reid. "We can be miles better, but given where we are in the table I am very pleased."
Hamilton had asked several tough questions of the Cowdenbeath defence but too often they found a reprieve in the home side's tendency to play an extra pass. A flurry in midfield allowed Louis Longridge to break into the penalty area after 11 minutes, but his cutback was thumped clear by John Armstrong.
Kane Hemmings provided Cowdenbeath with the lead after 24 minutes, the on-loan Rangers striker stroking a shot into the net from a Scott Linton pass.
Hemmings is one of three players brought into the Fife side on loan from the SPL this month – Liam Caddis arrived from St Johnstone and Sam Stanton joined from Hibernian – and their youthful endeavour will be needed if their temporary club are to avoid a fraught end to the campaign. Cowdenbeath are only spared the relegation play-off spot on goal difference.
They will have to do without player-manager Colin Cameron next week against Dunfermline after he was given a second booking for dissent in the final moments. He had already subbed himself, but his punishment relates to a player rather than a coach.
Hamilton had already been reduced to 10 men, Alex Neil shown his second yellow card for hauling back Scott Linton after 69 minutes, but the Lanarkshire side were able to endure as they had given themselves something to fight for.
Jonathan Page levelled on 62 minutes when he ignored the prone Cameron at his feet to plant a low shot into the net. Three minutes later, May boomed in another shot from 30 yards to snare the points for Hamilton and give them vital breathing space at the bottom.
Quibbling about the future of the game can wait. These sides have enough to contend with as it is.
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