Dundee United 2-1 Hamilton: 'Calm Clark' delights Tangerines boss

Nicky Clark's "calmness" delighted manager Micky Mellon as Dundee United came from behind to beat Scottish Premiership bottom side Hamilton.

Clark struck twice after Ross Callachan had headed Accies in front.

Callachan then missed a penalty as United moved within five points of fourth-place Hibernian.

"It fell to the right man at the right time," Mellon said after his side extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

"For Nicky Clark to show that calmness and go and slot that twice with those two finishes is great credit to him and tells you what a top player he is."

Hamilton are now four points behind St Mirren having played a game more.

• Reaction & as it happened

Adrian Sporle could not connect with Marc McNulty's low cross in United's first serious advance and Clark had two free-kick efforts before the break.

McNulty's chip almost unlocked Accies in the second half but goalkeeper Ryan Fulton did well to reach the ball before Clark.

Hamilton broke forward through Scott McMann and his cross found Callachan on his own to nod past Benjamin Siegrist.

The hosts had to show resolve and McNulty released Liam Smith to square for Clark and the striker slotted in the equaliser.

And, after a headed clearance by the visitors, McNulty nodded into Clark's path and his half-volleyed finish showed both confidence and class as Fulton was left helpless.

There was still one more twist in the tale as Jamie Robson was penalised for handball and Callachan sized up a chance to double his tally. He got it all wrong, though, as the ball sailed over.

Man of the match - Nicky Clark

Clark, seen here scoring the winner, was a constant threat and took his two goals in style

What did we learn?

After 29 goals for club and country last season, Lawrence Shankland was regarded as Dundee United's main goal threat going into this campaign.

But it is Clark who is nearing double figures with his brace taking him on to nine, while McNulty's two assists showed he can be an able foil for a strike partner.

Having lost 26 goals in seven games in all competitions going into this one and without a clean sheet since August, Hamilton desperately needed a momentum shift.

Part of that mission was about restricting Dundee United and the other was finding the net. They had done both with 16 minutes left but their collapse and missed penalty demonstrates their lack of confidence and they need points quickly to avoid being cut adrift.

What did they say?

Dundee United manager Micky Mellon: "To gain points in the Scottish Premiership is always very hard. What I was most pleased about was the composure that the players showed to get themselves back into the game and score two terrific goals.

"We got a really valuable three points. Now we're looking up. We will not get carried away. We know how difficult it is to get results in this division, it's tough."

Hamilton Academical head coach Brian Rice: "It was a vast improvement on the last few games. Really, really disappointed. We definitely didn't deserve that.

"I can't criticise my team one little bit. They gave me everything. It shouldn't have taken a penalty kick to get something out the game because the boys were excellent."

What's next?

Hamilton host Aberdeen on Wednesday and both sides have a free weekend after that, having missed out on the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup. On 5 December, Hamilton are at home to Kilmarnock and United visit Livingston.

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