Motherwell had to settle for a point, despite generally being in control of the derby after leading through David Turnbull’s 10th goal of the season midway through the first half.
However, a gifted assist from Liam Grimshaw seven minutes from time allowed Marios Ogkmpoe to grab an equaliser and an important point for Hamilton.
Stephen Robinson made two changes for the final local derby of the season. James Scott led the ‘Well attack in place of Curtis Main, while Elliott Frear, on the back of some good performances after coming off the bench, swapped places with Jake Hastie.
While the Fir Park men were looking up to taking seventh place in the league, the Hamilton players were still looking over their shoulders to ease themselves away from the relegation spots.
It took the players some time to adjust to the bright sunshine as the ball got lumped high into the air in the opening minutes.
When Gboly Ariyibi’s low ball opened up the Accies back four it allowed Scott to hold off his marker and power towards the box before his powerful drive produced a fine diving save from Gary Woods.
Ariybi then tried his luck with a 20 yard free kick but the on loan Nottingham Forrest winger curled his shot over the cross bar.
Mark Gillespie, in front of the ‘Well fans bedecked in amber and summer shirts, had a couple of routine saves to gather David McMillan’s attempts from outside his penalty area.
As Accies tried to up their game and press for a precious three points the Steelmen came close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes. Turnbull curled a corner into the six yard box where Tom Aldred’s thumping header came crashing down off the crossbar and gathered by Woods before the ball could be forced over the ‘keeper’s goal line.
However, the ‘Well opener was only delayed four minutes. Liam Grimshaw curled the ball towards the six yard area and after Aryibi and the Accies defence failed to intercept it, Turnbull was left with the simple task of stroking the ball past the helpless Woods.
From them until half-time Motherwell’s movement and possession left Accies and their fans frustrated. In added on time the home side had a final chance to put Gillespie’s goal under pressure but Tony Andreu curled his free kick high over the ‘keeper’s goal to leave the Fir Park men comfortably ahead at the interval.
A big reaction was expected from Brian Rice’s men as Motherwell kicked off the second half. And there was a greater degree of urgency about the home play as Dougie Imrie swept a teasing ball across goal only for Andreu to direct it wide of Gillespie’s goal.
Accies almost undid their early work when they conceded a needless free kick allowing Turnbull to set up Grimshaw at the edge of the box but his powerful shot was deflected over the bar by Aaron McGowan.
With the game in a bit of a rut and Accies unable to make any impression on the ‘Well defence, the home side made a double substitution after 57 minutes bringing on strikers Marios Ogkmpoe and George Oakley. Five minutes later ‘Well made their first change with Chris Cadden replacing Frear.
Within a few minutes and from out on the right touchline Cadden’s deep cross bounced off the top of Woods’ bar and provide a bit excitement for the ‘Well fans in the stand behind the ‘keeper’s goal.
After a hard working 75 minutes leading the front line, Scott was replaced by the experienced Conor Sammon before Hastie came on for Ariyibi.
Despite these changes in attacking areas Motherwell failed to create any chances in the closing stages of the game. Equally though with Aldred and Charles Dunne commanding Gillespie’s was never under threat until seven minutes from time.
Wide of the penalty area Grimshaw lost control of the ball rolling it into the path of Ogkmpoe, who rounded the bewildered Gillespie before firing the ball into an empty goal to give the home side a massive list.
Three minutes later they looked to have snatched a winner when Andreu’s drive found Oakley, belatedly from an offside position inside the six yard box, and his touch seemed destined for the net until Gillespie superbly twisted to turn the ball over the bar.
As Accies pressed for all three points ultimately Motherwell had to be content with only one.
