Brendan Rodgers thanks fans for turning up in freezing conditions
Those who turned up saw midfielder Olivier Ntcham's spectacular opener after 12 minutes cancelled out Accies midfielder Danny Redmond just before the half-hour mark.
Last updated 14th Dec 2017
Boss Brendan Rodgers has thanked the Celtic fans who braved the elements to see their side beat Hamilton 3-1 at Parkhead.
Sleet fell before the Ladbrokes Premiership encounter played in freezing conditions.
Two goals in a minute just before the break from James Forrest and Scott Sinclair, however, had the Hoops back in control.
Martin Canning's side a few chances on the counter-attack in the second half but ultimately, without being at their best, Celtic extended their unbeaten domestic run to 69 games to keep them five points clear of Rangers and Aberdeen with a game in hand.
Rodgers said: "The first thank you goes to the supporters. It probably was a hard decision, with the kettle on and the house roasting and football on the telly.
"So we thank the supporters who came here. It was absolutely freezing. But it was great to have them here and to get the win for them. It was a good win for us.
"I read Martin's comments before the game saying it was probably the strongest Hamilton squad in nine or 10 years and you could see that.
"They have gone to Ibrox and Easter Road and won, so we knew it was going to be a real test for us but we came through it really well.''
Rodgers was pleased by the way his side responded to Redmond's leveller.
He said: "It was a soft goal from our perspective. We had possession and gave it away cheaply, so I'm not so pleased with that.
"But it is what this team is very good at. We have created a mentality that whatever happens in the game, you don't get down on it, you just go again.
"We got two quick-fire goals and the three goals were very good finishes.''
Hamilton manager Canning claimed two goals before half-time "killed the game'' for his team.
"I thought we performed well,'' he said. "We conceded and got back on level terms with a great goal from Reddo, but two goals in a minute kill us.
"To give them two goals in a minute to go 3-1 down, it is a uphill task.
"I said to the boys at half-time to keep disciplined, stay in the game and that the next goal is important.
"If we get that we give ourselves a chance again in the game and we created three or four opportunities.
"We should have at least scored one and if we get to 3-2 it becomes interesting to see how Celtic react, but ultimately two goals in a minute before half-time have killed the game for us.''