The pack was shuffled and produced a complete change of midfield from the midweek game against Livingston. Paterson, McCormack, O'Donnell and Corrigan took station in front of a back four of Hammell, Kinniburgh, McLean and Quinn.

There was little to excite the crowd in the first half. Hamilton had a shot early on and towards the break a neat run from Stepover set up O'Donnell for a half chance but both efforts were wide of the target.

Hamilton's penalty

We had some neat passing moves and held the balance of play. United came close to breaking the deadlock when a header from Miller cracked against the bar. Terry had to field two substitutes in the first period. Smith fell awkwardly having flapped at a high cross without making contact. He limped about his box for a few minutes before Meldrum was called upon. Corrigan was stretchered off having after getting crocked attempting to reach a Clarkson low cross inside the six yard box. McBride filled his right sided midfield position.

Next for the physio's bench was Kinniburgh who limped off ten minutes into the second half. Young Donnelly got the call and slotted in beside McLean.

Hammell hands his boots to the fans

After an hour we were awarded a penalty when a Quinn run into the box was halted by Mulgrew. Samson stopped Hamilton's spot kick and the ball ran along the goal line and trickled by the post. McBride had followed up and his back flick was pushed into the net by Hamilton.

The crowd was stirred from its lethargy and a few cries of ‘One Terry Butcher' rang around the stands. The manager would not have been surprised that we conceded an equaliser with five minutes to go. Samuel outpaced Donnelly and slotted home in front of the empty South Stand. Our inability to hold on to a late lead has been our main weakness this season and it seems as though it will take a new manager to sure the problem.

The traditional cavalry charge at the final whistle was a half hearted affair and accompanied with a fair number of boos from the crowd. Terry led the way on what looked like his farewell tour round the pitch.