When Billy Reid, the Hamilton manager, opens his mouth, the words that spill out are generally thought out, concise and accurate - until the weekend, that is.

With his employees having been almost anonymous for the opening 45 minutes, the guy then witnessed a form of renaissance, during which Hamilton pummelled Partick Thistle close to submission, but every time it appeared a breakthrough was imminent, hopes were dashed, hearts sunk . . . disappointment, nothing but disappointment, and one man was to blame.

Jonny Tuffey has kept goal for Thistle during most of the season, and as time has elapsed, the young Irishman's form has improved considerably, and last time out, well, according to Reid, "their goalie has had a game that I don't think he will ever have again in his senior career."

This is about where the aforementioned Reid minuscule inaccuracy materialises, because the fact is that such performances are not alien to Tuffey. Gasps of disbelief - and relief - have been heard from Thistle's followers from time to time when the youngster has gone about his work.

On a chill Saturday afternoon in darkest Lanarkshire, Hamilton threw everything at Tuffey. Wave upon wave of red-and-white attacks formed, but the ones that breached Thistle's outer defensive cordon stalled when you know who was faced. It was incredible.

As the game ground on, anxiety in all who hold Hamilton close seemed to deepen. The club had a six-point lead over Dundee in the league, and they were cuffing Clyde at Dens Park, but this pain-in-the-neck Tuffey would not be beaten.

However, if justice is seen to be done, Hamilton's coronation will take place on, or before, April 26 because they are the best side in their division, without doubt.

As for Thistle, they have unearthed a real gem in Gary Harkins. Only late in the day when, it is anticipated fatigue set in, did error enter his game, but prior to that, his play was a joy to behold.

Sitting in the stand was Liam Buchanan, Thistle's top scorer who is excused duty due to injury. In his absence, despite some timely goals from Damon Gray, the team looked bereft of a real goal threat, a situation that, no doubt, manager Ian McCall will work to rectify in the coming months.