HAMILTON Academical manager Billy Reid believes his side have taken a massive step towards securing the First Division title by opening up a five-point gap at the top with a 3-0 win over Morton, but insists the next week could be pivotal.
With nearest challengers Dundee on Scottish Cup duty, Hamilton extended their advantage with goals from David Graham, Tony Stevenson and James Gibson.
"A vital week for the club is coming up," said Reid. "On Tuesday we play Dunfermline who will
be smarting as we have taken nine points out of nine from them so far this season, and then it is on to meeting Dundee on Saturday. Psychologically it is good to have opened a five-point gap."
Striker Graham, who won a dramatic final-day promotion to the Premier League with Gretna last season, added: "We are not thinking about the title just yet for there is a long way to go. But I hope it will not go to the last day."
Morton manager David Irons said: "We were the better team in the first half but did not deal with a straightforward ball for their first goal."
Livingston fought out a dull goalless draw with Clyde against the backdrop of speculation that owner Pearse Flynn is in talks about selling the club to a greyhound racing promoter.
However, manager Mark Proctor refused to use that as an excuse. "There was a lot of talk and funny remarks in the dressing room that our new sponsors could be Winalot. But we have to remain focused as we want to gather safety points."
Meanwhile Stirling Albion were given a few more days to get over their injury troubles with the clash against Dunfermline washed out by heavy rain.
The full article contains 304 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
