MX23RW : Wednesday, January 23 15:07:41

Martin smarting as a bad day for Accies ends with cup exit

Martin smarting as a bad day for Accies ends with cup exit
© Reuters
St Johnstone secure comfortable home success over Premiership rivals.

First-half strikes from Jason Kerr and Tony Watt steered St Johnstone to a comfortable William Hill Scottish Cup victory over Hamilton.

The Dons duo took advantage of goalkeeping errors from Scotland Under-21 international Ryan Fulton in a match overshadowed by the fall-out after vitriolic abuse was hurtled at under-fire Accies manager Martin Canning by a section of the Lanarkshire club's 150-strong band of supporters.

Responding to reports that his distressed father had also been subject to flak and felt obliged to leave the stadium before half-time, Canning said: "That's news to me, I haven't spoken to him.

"I understand frustration, Fans want to win games. But if my dad has been abused I don't accept that, if it gets personal.

"I can take it on the sidelines. It is part of my job but that is not acceptable in any way, shape or form.

"But there's no chance of me walking away. I'm committed to this club and doing my job.

"I won't be placed in a position where I make long-term decisions based on that."

McDiarmid Park stewards moved in to separate squabbling Accies fans after a pie was hurled at Saints scorer Watt.

Canning said: "That's not the image the club wants and I am guessing it is a small section. I 'm not going to tar all Accies fans with the same brush because that's not fair.

"But if security guards are having to separate them that's not acceptable. We want our fans to get behind the club and the team.

"This is a small club. We have competed for five years in the Premiership and it is the most successful period in the club's history since the war. We've never been in the league for that length of time."

Perth manager Tommy Wright was delighted with his first game back after the winter break.

"It was the perfect start to score within the first minute. It settled everyone down. We got a bit loose in the second half but I was pleased enough."

Wright praised scorer Watt for his poaching instincts, adding: "He was in the right place and follows it up when the keeper couldn't hold onto it.

"His work-rate was evident for everyone to see and you can see how his match sharpness is coming back. Tony can be pleased with his performance."


Click here for more stories about Martin Canning

Click here for more stories about Hamilton Academical

Share this article now:
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright pictured in January 2016
Read Next:
St Johnstone midfielder McClean makes Linfield loan move
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic20133446143242
2RangersRangers21126343162742
3Kilmarnock21125432201241
4Aberdeen21123634241039
5St Johnstone2010462524134
6Hearts2110472526-134
7Hibernian217953021930
8Livingston218672619730
9Motherwell2163122033-1321
10Hamilton AcademicalHamilton2142151443-2914
11St Mirren2133151539-2412
12Dundee2124151546-3110

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account