HAMILTON ACCIES’ home is now known as the Fountain of Youth stadium and there would have been plenty in need of a restorative potion after an enthralling match that must have prematurely aged most who experienced it.
The result leaves Hamilton all but safe of the automatic relegation spot but still with a bit to do if they are to avoid being caught by St Mirren and forced to take their chances in the play-offs. The outlook really ought to have been so much brighter for manager Brian Rice and his players given they fashioned a two-goal lead here and looked utterly in control against a Livingston side with very little to play for.
Instead, having then conceded three goals in the space of 15 frantic second-half minutes, Hamilton found themselves giving thanks to the unlikely figure of Aaron McGowan. With the clock ticking into injury time, the full-back found himself in possession of the ball and the goal at his mercy.
He completely miskicked his shot but then had the good fortune to see it bounce off the backtracking Hakeem Odoffin and trundle into the net. It was the last significant act of an incredible contest and one that left Rice unsure whether to consider his glass half-full or half-empty.
“I’m disappointed at the result but I’m elated at the spirit my players showed and the way they played for an hour,” he said. “I think they were different class. But then we lost a sloppy goal and it knocked us.
“There's a wee softness in there when we lose a goal and it affects us for a wee spell. But credit to the boys for coming back again. The spirit and the energy and the never-say-die attitude is fantastic.”
Rice also expressed his concern for goalkeeping coach Brian Potter who was taken to hospital after taking unwell during the warm-up.
He added: “I heard about ten to three that Pottsy was in trouble. I don’t know if the word ‘collapse’ is correct but it’s very concerning. I asked the lads to win it for him and they tried their best to do that.”
Hamilton seemed on course for a victory when they took a two-goal lead early in the second half. The first goal was poor from Livingston’s point of view as they failed to adequately clear Tony Andreu’s corner allowing George Oakley to poke the ball home from a matter of yards.
A second goal came just minutes after the re-start. Odoffin tried to dispossess Marios Ogkmpoe in the penalty box but completely mistimed his tackle. Referee Greg Aitken awarded the penalty and Dougie Imrie converted.
That seemed to be the end of things but Livingston fought back. Pittman scored his first after a nice lay-off from Ryan Hardie and Hamilton suddenly looked ill at ease.
Within 11 minutes, the scores were level, Steve Lawson allowed to run impeded into the Hamilton box before shooting low in the corner.
The momentum was now all with Livingston and it was no surprise when they forged in front. It was the best goal of the game. Substitute Dolly Menga executed a deep cross and Pittman’s volley sailed past the goalkeeper with the aid of a deflection.
That seemed to be the end of the matter but Accies then found unearthed that equaliser to leave Livingston disappointed and everyone exhausted.
“I questioned them at half-time if they had the hunger and desire to get back in the game,” said manager Gary Holt. “I wanted them to prove what they’ve done all season. We then come back to score three good goals to go deservedly ahead. And then we lose a stinky equaliser when the boy mishits it and it hits our player and goes in. But that happens.”
Holt admitted it was too tight to call who would end up having to take their chances in a play-off. “Who will stay up? Good question. You would probably say Dundee are behind the eight-ball and then it’s a toss-up between Hamilton and St Mirren for a play-off place. Hamilton showed they have a hunger and desire to score but I’m sure Brian won’t be happy with the goals they lost today.”
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