New Douglas Park’s plastic surface does not appear to be entirely to the liking of Gus MacPherson’s side, as they have yet to register a victory at Hamilton in four attempts. They created a host of chances here, but were denied by some outstanding saves by Raymond Jellema, while Accies also put in a determined shift.
Hamilton were the first to threaten with Mark Gilhaney unleashing a vicious 25-yard drive which cannoned off the post. St Mirren responded two minutes later when Charlie Adam sent in a delightfully flighted free-kick which required a magnificent one-handed save from Jellema to divert it over the crossbar.
Some well-crafted moves by either side saw further good efforts from Mark McLaughlin and Scott Tunbridge, while an overhead attempt by Mark Corcoran required another demonstration of Jellema’s agility along with the goalpost to prevent the visitors gaining the lead.
St Mirren took command for a spell early in the second half and carried a genuine threat at set pieces. A powerful John Potter header was clawed away from the line by Jellema, whose impressive afternoon continued with a fine block on a searing drive from Adam.
Hamilton weathered the storm and the game petered out in stalemate, with a share of the points representing a fair reward for two sides who could not be faulted for energy and application.
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STAR MAN: Raymond Jellema (Hamilton)
Player ratings. Hamilton: Jellema 8, Robertson 6, Balmer 6, McLaughlin 7, Fleming 6, Thomson 7, Neil 7 (McArthur 71min, 5), McMullan 6 (Ferguson 68min, 5), Gilhaney 6, Carrigan 7, Tunbridge 6
St Mirren: Smith 7, Van Zanten 6, McGowne 6, Potter 6, Maxwell 6, Anderson 7, Millen 7, Adam 7, Lappin 6, Corcoran 7 (Keane 78min, 5), Sutton 6
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Booked: Neil 15, Maxwell 21, Potter 87, Adam 88
Referee: K Clark
Attendance: 3,320