Partick Thistle’s flying start to the season came unstuck against Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park on Tuesday night as Ali Crawford’s wonder goal knocked Jackie McNamara’s side out of The Scottish Communities Cup with a 1-0 scoreline.
The winning goal came in the second period of extra-time when Crawford let fly from 30 yards out with Thistle goalkeeper Scott Fox left clutching thin air and the Accies' ‘veteran’ was delighted with his strike.
The sides meet again this weekend on IRN-BRU SFL First Division duty and Hamilton go into it with a spring in their step and a belief that they can continue to progress with a young side where 21-year-old Crawford is classed as an old head.
Crawford said: “I got the ball some 30 yards from goal and I had a quick look up and saw that their goalkeeper was off his line. I hit the ball perfectly and it dipped just under the bar in time and it was a great feeling.
“We had put in a huge effort during that 90 minutes plus the first half of extra-time so to get ahead was fantastic. Partick have had a great start to the season but everyone played well for us the other night. It was great to get through.”
Crawford added: “I scored three goals last season and that is me having scored two already this season but the one against Partick was the best goal I have scored without doubt. We are playing them again this weekend and hopefully having kick-started our season, we can go on and get three points.”
A medial ligament injury ruined Crawford’s season a year ago and he is keen to make up for lost time as he explained: “I have been here for nearly six years now after signing for Hamilton when I was just 15. Not only am I trying to establish myself in the first team this season, I also have a bit of an extra role as I am one of the most experienced players now at the club.
“That is quite hard to believe as I am only 21 but I take helping the other players develop and play to their potential quite seriously. We have a young dressing room but it is full of talented players who have a good chance of winning a lot of games in the First Division.”
Crawford is glad that things are the youthful way they are at New Douglas Parkas as he explained: “Hamilton Accies is a good club to be at if you are a young player. You will get a chance regardless of your age as the Manager is not scared to throw young players in.”
The Accies' youngsters have been added to by the loan signings of emerging talent from St. Johnstone with Scotland youth player James Keatings coming in from the Parkhead side and last season’s IRN-BRU SFL Young player of the Season, Stevie May, joining on a similar basis from St. Johnstone after his heroics helping Alloa Athletic lift the Third Division title last season.
Crawford said: “Increased competition for places is a good thing and bringing James and Steven here has done that at this club. Having them here will make everyone try and perform well to keep in the team. It will help us to have them here starting against Partick Thistle.”
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