SPFL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: HAMILTON 1-0 SAINTS

PHOTO: Craig Thomson came closest to scoring in last night's defeat at Hamilton Accies.

Saints U20s lost 1-0 to Hamilton Accies last night at New Douglas Park in the SPFL Development League, in a match featuring first team squad members Zander Clark, Brad McKay, Craig Thomson, Liam Caddis and Chris Kane.

Alistair Stevenson, Head of the Saints Youth Academy, said: “What turned out to be a disappointing night wasn't helped by the horrendous weather conditions, sleet and hailstones, which wasn't helpful to either side. The standard of the game was affected by the poor conditions.”

Even with the inclusion of older players, the team found it hard to get up to their normal high standard.

We lost a goal midway through the first half. Zander Clark made a good save from a free kick but when the ball came out Hamilton were first to react.

The game sort of petered out in the second half with neither side really looking like adding to the scoreline.

Chris Kane struck a couple of shots which were just off target and Craig Thomson narrowly missed, but we just couldn't get that equaliser.

The result was a 4th defeat in 5 matches for the young Saints, but Alistair Stevenson believes the team has been unlucky in recent matches not to pick up more points.

He said: “All of those recent defeats have been by the odd goal, against really experienced teams who I fell we've played really well against. All in all it's been a very positive first half of the season with some very good performances, with a lot of progress shown from a number of players.”

Starting XI versus Hamilton Accies: Clark, Lumsden (Cameron Thomson - 75), McKay, Page, Martyniuk, Craig Thomson, McCawl, Caddis, Simpson, Hunter, Kane (Sinclair - 70). Subs: Millar, G. Kerr, Esslemont.