Hamilton Academical vs Dundee Utd

Scottish Premier League, 11 August 2008

Really enjoyed this one. Hamilton making their return to the top flight of Scottish football after a near 20 year absence, playing at home. Quite a modern little stadium on show, of the stands visible on TV, two nice raised stands, which I always like as it means the spectators right at the front get a decent view when the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch. One side of the ground is just a wall, looks like a stand is being built. They have electronic advertising boards along the main stand, which I always find distracting when watching the match, but I suppose that's the point. I wonder if they're there all the time, or if they are just installed for live matches on TV. The dugouts even have those fancy sports-car-style seats! Apparanently last season, the ground had a synthetic pitch, which hs been relain as turf for this season. Very good atmosphere at the match, with singing from both sets of supporters.

Both teams set out to play decent attacking football, playing the ball well on the round, making for a very enjoyable viewing experience. Dundee took the lead somewhat against the run of play, unfortunately through an own goal. Hamilton then drew level shortly after from a well taken free kick, which took a slight deflection to wrong-foot the goalkeeper. Approaching halftime, Hamilton took the lead when a ball that went across the goal looked like it was nudged in off a Hamilton player's hand.

The second half started a little more slowly, but after a little bit of hand-bags, Hamilton scored again as Dundee failed to clear their lines. Dundee put a bit of pressure on towards the end, but although Hamilton appeared dead on their feet, they didn't come too close to scoring, and Hamilton hung on for a well earned win in their first match back in the SPL. A good evenings football.