Hamilton Academical 1-1 Dundee United: Mellon rues two points dropped

Dundee United manager Micky Mellon says you cannot afford to "switch off for a second" in the Scottish Premiership after Hamilton Academical snatched their first home point of the season.

Lawrence Shankland's fourth-minute opener had United in control for the majority as the away side passed up chances to increase their advantage.

But with 15 minutes left, Accies responded with a Hakeem Odoffin diving header.

"You always run the risk," said Mellon.

"You always feel when you're playing against a battling Hamilton side, with the amount of free-kicks given, if you knock off at any time you may give yourself problems."

• Reaction & as it happened

The away side were rewarded for a bright start after great work down the right by Logan Chalmers allowed him to find Adrian Sporle on the edge of the area. The full-back managed to work his way into the box before laying the ball on a plate for Shankland to steer home his second goal of the season.

Hamilton responded well as Kyle Munro saw a goal-bound effort blocked, but United were always a threat on the counter as the lively Chalmers skipped into the box only to slice an effort wide.

Both sides then had further opportunities as Tunde Owolabi squandered a golden chance when he could not divert a free header towards goal, and up the other end Luke Bolton's driven effort from the right went just past the far post for the visitors.

Hamilton came out battling in the second half, but United were always a threat as Shankland almost turned provider for strike partner Nicky Clark. However, his close-range effort was well saved by Ryan Fulton.

And even though United looked in control, they were made to pay for not taking their chances as David Templeton's dangerous free-kick was met superbly by the diving head of Odoffin.

The equaliser gave Rice's men a spark as Scott Martin saw a low strike go just past the post, but it was the away side who came closest to winning it as Clark saw a close-range effort sail over the bar.

Man of the match - Hakeem Odoffin

The former Livingston man (right) has had a great start to life at Hamilton. Not only did he grab the crucial equaliser, but he helped to nullify United during their dominant spells in the second half

What did we learn?

Brian Rice would have been concerned with the game approaching the last quarter. Until then his side had not registered a single goal or point at home and were heading to the foot of the table, but Odoffin's timely equaliser means Rice's men are out of the relegation play-off place for now and should give them belief in the weeks to come.

There is no doubt Micky Mellon will feel like this is two points dropped, but there are not many teams who will enjoy welcoming United to their ground this season. The pace Mellon's side breaks at can be frightening at times, and with Shankland back in the team to provide the finishing touch, they will pose a threat to anyone.

What they said

Hamilton head coach Brian Rice: "I can't ask for any more, after losing an early goal and showing the reliance and determination. The 'Hamilton spirit', as we call it, was evident again today.

"It's not about the first 11 here, it's about the full squad and the club in general. The lads throw their bodies on the line, to play for Hamilton that's what you need to do, that's non-negotiable."

Dundee United manager Micky Mellon: "We had chances all the way through until Hamilton equalised to put the game to bed. We weren't able to do that.

"With the quality of players we have I would back them to the hilt to put them away. On another day we'll take them."

What's next?

Hamilton take on Hibernian at Easter Road on Friday (19:45 BST) as Dundee United welcome Livingston to Tannadice on the same evening (19:45 BST).