Martin Canning hails Hamilton’s team spirit

Hamilton boss Martin Canning was delighted with the character of his side after coming from behind to claim a draw at home to Aberdeen.

Accies found themselves in a familiar position in the second half after taking the lead only to concede twice and go behind with 15 minutes to play.

Canning has questioned the character of his side in previous weeks, and cited a lack of leadership in their dismal run of six successive defeats in October, which included four matches where they took the lead only to go on to lose.

However after a claiming a point against second-placed Aberdeen, Canning said: “It was pleasing because I think four times we have gone 1-0 up and gone 2-1 behind with a couple of late goals, where it's difficult to come back from.

“Today gave us the chance to get back into it, and that's pleasing because that's strong character to go 2-1 down in a game you've been ahead in and created that many chances and should be winning.

“To have the belief to get back into the game is pleasing.''

David Templeton got the equaliser for Accies and was a constant threat throughout, winning the free-kick for Dougie Imrie's opener and he could have had more but for a wasteful afternoon in front of goal.

Canning was delighted to have him firing after an injury kept him out earlier in the season.

“Antonio Rojano and David Templeton up front were a real threat for us which is pleasing,'' he said.

“We know with Temps that if we can keep him fit and on the park, the qualities he has got, and he'll be disappointed he hasn't taken the opportunities he got.

“I said to him at half-time just keep going because you'll get more chances, and thankfully he managed to go and take one.''

Derek McInnes was less than impressed with his side's effort which sees them drop three points behind league leaders Celtic.

Greg Stewart scored his first goal for the club since joining on loan from Birmingham in the summer before Kari Arnason powered home from a corner that looked likely to secure three points before Templeton's strike.

The Dons boss said: “I thought the response was good, it was a brilliant pass and a great running finish from Greg Stewart.

“I thought he was terrific today and his goal got us level.

“We knew we could do far better in the second half, and there was more rhythm, more fluency in the second half and it felt as though the winning goal was coming, and when it did come, we should have seen the game out.'

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