U20s: Hamilton Accies 2-2 Ross County

A last gasp equaliser from Mikey Grimes denied Hamilton all three points in an entertaining encounter at New Douglas Park.

Second half goals from Andy Ryan and Greg Docherty looked to have secured a second home win of the season for the young Accies side.

But with virtually the last kick of the game substitute Mikey Grimes fired home a shot from just outside the box which deceived Scott Christie in the Hamilton goal to give Ross County a share of the spoils.

Hamilton started with both strikers Andy Ryan and James Keatings who both came on for the last half an hour for the senior side against Partick Thistle on Saturday.

For Ross County they started with former Hearts striker Gary Glen up front while both Archie MacPhee and Ryan Ross where on the bench for the senior side against Kilmarnock.

Hamilton started the brighter having most of the possession. But it was Ross County who had the first strike on goal.

A free kick from 25 yards from Tony Dingwall forced Accies keeper Scott Christie to palm the ball wide.

Accies should have been in front midway through the first half. Striker Andy Ryan was sent clean through but he lacked composure and blazed his shot over the crossbar.

The first half was an even affair with neither side able to create too many clear cut chances.

However Accies were almost in front on the half hour. Defender Mikey Devlin connected with a header but went straight at County keeper Sean McCarthy following a short corner.

Ross County almost took the lead against the run of play shortly before half time when a shot from Kurtis Byrne took a slight deflection. The ball looped just wide with the Accies keeper scrambling back.

In the second half both sides had early chances to break the deadlock. Steven Ross fired a shot straight at Accies keeper Scott Christie after being played through by Gary Glen.

Seconds’ later Hamilton striker Andy Ryan blazed a shot from outside the penalty area high over the crossbar.

On 59 minutes Accies took the lead. Neat play by midfielder Grant Gillespie picked out Andy Ryan. He then fired a right foot shot past McCarthy in the Ross County goal to give the home side the lead.

Moments later the young striker had to be stretched off with a serious looking injury after getting his leg stuck in the New Douglas Park pitch.

He was treated for some time on the pitch and then stretched off with suspected ankle ligament damage.

Hamilton’s lead only lasted ten minutes as the Highlanders drew level in controversial circumstances.

A free kick whipped in from the right was headed goalwards at the back post by substitute Ryan Ross.

 

Goalkeeper Scott Christie seemed to make a comfortable save but was adjudged to have saved the ball over the goal line by referee Craig Napier to the stunned amazement of the Accies players, coaching staff and fans.

 Hamilton though didn’t let the setback get to them and with just 14 minutes left were back in front.
Midfielder Greg Docherty volleyed the ball home from just inside the penalty area past the despairing Sean McCarthy in the Ross County goal.

Ross County pushed for a second equaliser and should have been level when Gary Glen volleyed from 12 yards just over the crossbar when he really should have hit the target.

Then deep into injury time the highlanders won a share of the points. Substitute Mikey Grimes picked up the ball just outside the penalty box and hit a quick first time shot which left Scott Christie rooted in the Hamilton goal.

All the young keeper could do was watch as the ball found the net and Accies were denied all three points.

The result still leaves Hamilton in 7th and unbeaten at home. While Ross County climb up to 9th.

Hamilton: Christie, Finnie, McGlinchey (McMann 81), El Zubaidi, Devlin, Lyon, Gillespie (c), Fraser (Watson 85), Ryan (Martin 64), Keatings, Docherty.

Subs not used: Craig, Selfridge, McCue, Allan.

Ross County: McCarthy, MacDonald, McPhee (Ross 59), Bateson, Porritt, Ross, Finlayson, Dingwall, Glen, Byrne (McKillop 85), Hutchinson (Grimes 59).

Subs not used: Crown, Corbett, Hall.

Referee: Craig Napier.