BALLISTIC BREW REIDS THE RIOT ACT

Sunday Mirror, Aug 17, 2008 by IAN BROADLEY

INVERNESS CT 0

HAMILTON ACCIES 1

Offiong 45

RAGING Caley manager Craig Brewster blasted his side after they blew the chance to go top.

The Highlanders failed to raise their game and slumped to defeat against surprise package Accies.

The goal came in the dying seconds of the first half when Camie Duff blundered to gift hitman Richard Offiong the winner.

Brewster said: "The difference between last week when we beat Aberdeen and today was night and day and that's not good enough for this club. The pitch was slow, but they can't use that as an excuse because so were we. We never caused problems whatsoever because the pace of our play was so sluggish. Whenever we had the ball we needed a higher tempo to open them up."

The Jags created only a couple of half chances in a disappointing opening half to give their rivals the confidence to clinch the points and take pole position in the SPL. Caley eventually switched to a 3-4-3 formation in a bid to secure victory but veteran Accies centre-back Chris Swailes was a rock at the back and blunted their threat.

Accies manager Billy Reid insisted that his side have taken the SPL by storm because they play without fear.

He said: "There is no fear factor at this club - our youngsters don't know what that means. People have made a big issue of getting points on the board early but I don't see it that way.

"We are taking it one day at a time and I couldn't ask for more from my players. We are trying to progress as a club, I'm trying to improve as a coach, and so far we are doing fine.

"Overall, I'm happy in terms of how we tried to pass the ball but the pitch wasn't great. With six points out of six though, I am a very happy man."

HOW THEY RATED

INVERNESS CT

Fraser 6, Tokely 5, McGuire 6, Duff 5 (McAllister 5), Hastings 5, Imray 5, Black 5, Howie 6 (Wilson 5), Duncan 5 (Rooney 5), McBain 5, Barrowman 5.

MANAGER Brewster 6

HAMILTON

Cerny 6, Stevenson 6, McLaughlin 7, SWAILES 8, Easton 6, Mensing 5, McArthur 7, McCarthy 6 (Lyle 4), Neill 6, Graham 5 (Corcoran 5), Offiong 6 (Akins 5).

MANAGER Reid 6

REFEREE S O'Reilly 6

MAN OF THE MATCH

CHRIS SWAILES

Was superb in defence for the SPL leaders.