Derek McInnes rues missed opportunity at Hamilton

The Dons were held to a 2-2 draw

Published 4th Nov 2017
Last updated 4th Nov 2017

Derek McInnes admitted it was two points dropped after his Aberdeen side were held 2-2 at Hamilton.

The Dons failed to keep the pressure on Celtic, who are now three points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership after making history at St Johnstone earlier in the day.

McInnes' side struggled to impose themselves at the SuperSeal Stadium, going behind to Dougie Imrie's free-kick before clawing their way into the lead only to concede a second and eventually struggle to a draw against an impressive Accies.

After seeing his side come from behind to take the lead, the Dons manager said: “We could do far better in the second half (than the first), and there was more rhythm, more fluency in the second half.

“It felt as though the winning goal was coming, and when it did come, we should have seen the game out and won the game, so that's why there's disappointment we haven't managed to do so.

“I think there's only two or three minutes between both goals, but you have to credit Hamilton, they got what they deserved.

“We didn't do enough to win the game but I thought second half there were a lot of positives.

“I'd like to talk about the second half and the response of the players coming from behind, but it's difficult when you've lost two points.

“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up when you don't play at your best and you take a point and get away.”

Greg Stewart got his first goal for the club with a deft chip over Gary Woods following Imrie's opener, before Kari Arnason headed in for the lead.

However the lively David Templeton's fine strike moments later made sure of the draw, which McInnes, who has been linked with a move to Rangers, admitted was fair.

He said: “If we're honest with ourselves, we weren't quite good enough for a period of time to win the game. We had good moments, but lots of sloppy ones and gave them too much encouragement.”

Accies boss Martin Canning admitted he was a bit disappointed to only come away with one point after an impressive performance.

After suffering a six-match losing streak in October, they have returned to form with a win at Dundee and a point here, but Canning admitted it could have been better after they missed a number of chances.

“The only complaint I would have is we didn't win the game,” he said

“I think we created enough opportunities to win it.

“(However) before the game if you offered a point again Aberdeen, who are in good form themselves, I'd have probably taken the point.

“On the basis of pay I think were a bit unfortunate not to get all three."