Hamilton 0 Hearts 2

Feb 13 2011 Gordon Waddell, Sunday Mail

THE more you set out not to lose, the more you forget how to win.

Hamilton fell a further point further adrift at the bottom of the league yesterday as they tried to frustrate Hearts - and failed.

Stephen Elliott twice broke down the red-and-white monolith set up in Accies' 18-yard box to net his second double of the season.

Without a win in 12 games at New Douglas Park this season, and heading for the worst home record in the 35-year history of the Premier League, Accies must get on the front foot a lot sooner - or they're doomed.

They finally had a go at the Jambos after the break but only after they'd made the mistakes that killed them.

Boss Billy Reid said: "We tried to frustrate Hearts - we don't always start games in that manner - but our problem all season has been not defending our box and that's what happened again out there.

"We gave Hearts possession and until they scored, they hadn't threatened. But it's the second goal that hurts.

"We were better in the second half - but maybe it's easier to play when you're two down. The Paixao twins came on and made a difference.

"Then I hear people asking 'Why don't you start them every week?' We have - and it hasn't worked! Listen, we're at our best when we're knocking the ball about but your confidence goes when you're not winning games."

That's not a problem for Hearts - although boss Jim Jefferies raised a few eyebrows by throwing Andy Webster straight into his starting lineup in place of Ismail Bouzid. Still, if he wanted to give the centre half a gentle reintroduction 10 years after his first debut for the Hearts, this was it.

Almost every touch he took was on the halfway line as an outlet for his midfield to launch yet another probe at the forcefield Accies set up on their 18-yard line.

For part of the first half, the Jambos played in a semi-circle around Reid's side, pushing, probing, being rebuffed, regrouping, and going again, looking for cracks.

After 22 minutes, the only moment of note was a Martin Canning booking for going through Rudi Skacel - although the Czech's OTT squeal could have won him a part as a shot extra in Full Metal Jacket.

Eventually, though, the crack appeared - and Hearts filled it with dynamite.

Eggert Jonsson found Lee Wallace on the left, the full-back delivered a sweet cross and Elliott timed his run to perfection, glancing a brilliant header into the far top corner.

After that Accies had to find a way back in - but they offered nothing.

Their retention was abysmal - Hearts keeper Marian Kello could have relaxed in a recliner with a boxset of DVDs to watch.

The fans booed Accies off at the break, something David Elebert took exception to as he gestured at them going up the tunnel.

The Irishman sighed: "No team needs that - if we're not playing well it's not for the lack of trying. And to be fair we were the better team in the second half."

They did improve - but not before Hearts killed the game just 45 seconds in.

Skacel's corner was flicked on by Marius Zaliukas and bundled home by Elliot.

Accies' hopes weren't helped when Dougie Imrie hobbled off with a hip problem.

The introduction of the Paixao brothers, though, brought new impetus.

Elebert forced Kello's first save with a decent header and a Jim McAlister 18-yarder had the Slovakian working again.

It should give Accies hope with their game in hand coming on Wednesday night against Dundee United. But they need a win and they need one soon.

Taken from the Daily Record