Hamilton Accies 0-0 Saints

Last updated : 06 May 2010 By Stuart Gillespie

This wasn't a classic, and you can imagine how those of us watching it in the pub felt as ESPN kept telling us of goals in a 12 goal thriller between Motherwell and Hibs. However, it got the job done. The only disappointing thing is, despite Kilmarnock beating Aberdeen, we can no longer finish ninth - and there's still a chance Killie can grab 10th from us.

With safety all but assured there were four changes to the Saints team. Mark Howard made his first appearance of the season, replacing Paul Gallacher, while Lee Mair took over from Chris Innes. The surprise omissions were Andy Dorman and Steven Thomson, who are reportedly injured. Michael Higdon and Garry Brady took over from them. After a few games with seven subs, we were down to five - and this a day after our chairman warned we'd have a smaller squad next season...

Marco Paixo appeared to have put Accies in front after just a few minutes when his thunderous effort clattered the bar and bounced behind the line, but no goal was given. Howard injured himself in the process, but was fortunately able to continue. At the other end, flicks from Higdon and Billy Mehmet set up Stephen O'Donnell, but he shot just wide.

Hamilton had a couple of shots for a penalty turned down as the half wore on - Steven Robb's foul on Dougie Imrie looked like a stonewall award, although John Potter's tackle on the same man was legal.

The second half was slightly more entertaining and Saints had a number of good chances - all falling to Higdon. The first saw him head off the post from a corner and the second saw his shot parried by keeper Sean Murdoch before Mark McLaughlin cleared.

Those were unlucky, the other two were poor. Both came from Graham Carey crosses and both time he put the ball straight at Murdoch. Hamilton did have a few chances to score themselves, but most were from the edge of the box and off target.

Of note is the fact Rory Loy got a rare run out and Craig Dargo also came on - for Hugh Murray and Garry Brady! God knows what was going on there.

This was our final away game of the season and it was our first clean sheet away from home in the SPL. However, it also makes it six games without a goal in hamilton and means we're still without an away win since October.

But most importantly, it also means we're safe and can enjoy Saturday's game in Aberdeen in the knowledge we'll be in the SPL next season.