SOUTH Lanarkshire United ended their pre-season campaign on a high this morning as they strolled past Hamilton AFC with a 4-2 win.
United were looking to recover from last week's double defeat, and the team recovered emphatically.
A change of formation was in place as manager, Greg Miller, opted to a 3-5-2 line-up. The extra man in midfield was evident straight from kick-off as United dominated in possession.
However, play was yet to settle, despite David Lamb opening the scoring within seven minutes. Lamb received the ball in space on the right and quickly noticed the goalkeeper off his line, before lobbing it in to the top left corner of the net.
Within minutes, Hamilton responded, countering United on the break before feeding their striker through the defence to lob on-rushing keeper, Andy Milne.
United continued to dominate the half, which seen spells of outstanding football mesmorise the opposition. Triangles were appearing everywhere in midfield, providing plenty of short passing and options to keep possession.
William McQuarrie should have made it three for United as he fought tirelessly to win the ball outside the box, before making space for himself in front of goal, but missed the target.
Chances were coming thick and fast for United and the lead was eventually regained through a ferocious volley from Craig Towers. McQuarrie was able to nod the ball in to the striker's path who had no trouble finishing from 18 yards.
Again, the United defence were caught napping as a corner from Hamilton was delivered to an unmarked player to score a free header.
United didn't waste any time getting back in front, as a misdirected cross from Gordon Wilson found its way in to the back of the net.
It should have been four going in to the interval, but a Matt Bryan header sailed wide of the target after being set free in the box from a corner.
United started the second half strong, and held possession well. Frankie Hurles and Gary Barclay continued a solid display at the back, along with Paul Spicer, who was drafted in to his familiar role as sweeper.
However, the referee instructed him to be substituted due to a tussle between him and the Hamilton striker. Spicer was fouled trying to block out the striker's run towards goal, but it was the sweeper's retaliation that seen him sent to the sidelines.
Miller brought on fresh legs in the form of Bobby Reid and Mark Gillies, who both tested the Hamilton goalkeeper. But it was trialist Chris Pratt who became the super-sub, scoring in his first appearance for United with a tap-in from a well worked team move.
Full time: South Lanarkshire United 4-2 Hamilton West AFC
