Canning calls for calm as tensions spill into the stands at Hamilton

Hamilton manager Martin Canning called for unity after the tension of their 1-0 home defeat by Motherwell transferred into the stands.

While 2,300 away fans celebrated a crucial victory that moved Motherwell above their Lanarkshire rivals and out of the Premiership play-off place, some home supporters turned their anger towards Canning and his side as they trooped off dejectedly.

Skipper Michael Devlin's father was involved in a heated exchange with a supporter who was directing abuse at the defender and other fans, some attacking the team and some defending it, joined in as stewards stepped in to defuse the situation.

Canning said: “It's not nice but it's happened throughout the course of the season at different moments and it happened last season too and the season before, when we stayed up.

“It's not nice, you want everybody behind the team.

“You can see it's not a lack of effort that's costing us. It's not because we haven't put the work in. The boys have worked their socks off.

“I thought we were the better team, their goalie made one fantastic save, but games are turned on small things and we don't do our job at a set-piece.

“But I don't think the fans are getting short-changed. The boys are giving their all and fighting for the club. You can see it. We just need the fans to stay behind us and give us the best backing they can.”

Louis Moult's goal midway through the second half - his sixth against Accies this season - proved the winner in a nervy affair where the ball spent much of the time in the air rather than on the soaked artificial pitch.

Motherwell goalkeeper Russell Griffiths had earlier made an excellent stop from Alex D'Acol and visiting boss Stephen Robinson admitted he was grateful to get a break after two consecutive home defeats had left them in deep trouble.

Moult rose to meet Elliott Frear's free-kick with the ball looping into the top corner, more off the striker's shoulder than his head.

Robinson, whose team host Kilmarnock on Tuesday, said: “Listen, we have dominated large parts of games since I have been here and not had the rub of the green, and not maybe taken our chances when a lot of balls go into the box.

“I thought we out-battled them and were stronger them and, when you have Louis Moult up top, that wee bit of quality wins you the football match.

“It was a huge win. We knew what the consequences were of not picking up a point and especially what the benefits would be if we won the game.

“Psychologically it's massive for us and we need to follow it up again on Tuesday night.”

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