News /Game News
Hamilton | Match Preview | 29/01/22
Read the match preview ahead of tomorrow's trip to New Douglas Park.
On Saturday, Ayr United travel to face Hamilton Accies in what is the first in a run of hugely important games for The Honest Men. Over the course of 12 days United will face off against Accies, Partick Thistle, Dunfermline and fierce rivals Kilmarnock as they look to ease relegation worries. The Honest Men currently lie in 7th place, just three points off the foot of the table as the bottom five teams remain separated by just six points. Accies sit three points above Ayr but a victory on Saturday would move United level on points and with a game in hand.
The Honest Men were sent crashing out of the Scottish Cup 4th round last weekend after a 2-0 defeat at home to Premiership side, St Mirren. In a disappointing first half, Kyle McAllister and Greg Kiltie fired The Buddies into a two goal advantage and despite an improved second half performance, it was always an uphill struggle for Lee Bullen’s men.
Opposition
Hamilton were without a game last weekend after being knocked out the Scottish Cup 3rd round with a defeat to Auchinleck Talbot. Since the turn of the year, Accies have experienced a mixed bag of results. They started the year with an emphatic 3-0 victory away to Queens, before drawing with Thistle and most recently, losing away to Dunfermline. In a bid to strengthen Accies have made four signings so far in January with the most recent, Steven Lawson, signing on Thursday. Kai Kennedy, Ellis Brown and Daniel O’Reilly have also put pen to paper.
Going into the game, Accies have conceded 37 goals this season in the Championship – only Dunfermline have conceded more. However, United are currently the lowest scorers in the division, finding the net just 19 times and will be looking to bring a spark if they are to test the Accies rear-guard.
Team News
New man Ben Dempsey goes straight into the squad. Cameron Salkeld and Michael Hewitt are out.
The Manager Says:
Head to Head
Ayr United Wins - 56
Draws - 39
Hamilton Accies wins – 62
United have had the upper hand against Accies this season following a victory in the cup and league respectively before a draw at Somerset Park in December. Tomi Adeloye has scored in the last two games against Accies and the front man will be hoping he can have a similar impact on tomorrow’s game.
Last Meeting: The last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in front of the BBC cameras at Somerset Park. On a cold December’s night Lewis Smith gave Accies the lead before the break but Tomi Adeloye equalised with a terrific header after the restart. United could and probably should have taken all three points but were guilty of not being ruthless enough in front of goal and had to settle for a share of the points.
Ayr lined up – Albinson, Houston, Fjortoft, McGinty, Reading, Maxwell, Murdoch, McAllister (Chalmers 80’), O’Connor (Salkeld 80’), Moffat (Bradley 69’), Adeloye.
Match Officials
Referee – John Beaton
Assistant Referee – Graeme Stewart
Assistant Referee – Chris Rae
Live Coverage
Admission Details: Tickets for the match can be purchased online at the following link: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=1073
There will also be a cash gate on Saturday. Prices are as follows:
Adults: £20
Over 65’s: £15
Under 18’s: £10
Live Streaming: Accies are steaming Saturday’s game at a cost of £10 at the following link: https://t.co/rN22Wshbll
“This starts off a really busy and important few weeks for us with games coming thick and fast. We’ve looked at a few things from last week and we have learned a lot from it, we’re learning all the time but we’re in a fight this season and we have to adjust to that. We’ve had a really good week in training and we’re ready for the game and it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”
Watch Lee Bullen and Ben Dempsey preview the match: https://ayrunitedfc.co.uk/black-white-tv