BY: COLETTE CARR

Only two goals separated a young Accies side from experienced Spartans at New Douglas Park as Gary Doctor's Hamilton continue to move in the right direction.

Louise Mason's first half strike coupled with Alana Marshall's effort in the second was enough for the visitors to claim the spoils.

But new coach Bobby Watson said that while it was disappointing, things are improving.

"I'm pleased with the performance.

"Obviously it's been a tough start to the season, and I've just came in in the last ten days but I did know they haven't had the greatest of starts with the injury list and things, but we equipped ourselves well against a really good opponent."

Spartans kicked on from the beginning, firing wide and forcing Elaine Fleming into action early.

                                             After only 11 minutes, Sarah Ewans had been denied by Fleming while Mason found side                                                    netting, as Accies struggled to break into the final third despite containing the visitors at the                                              other end.

                                             On the 22nd though the breakthrough came for the visitors as Ewans played it back to                                                      Mason from deep inside the area for Mason to shoot across Fleming's body and into the                                                    bottom corner.

                                             The hosts had a great opportunity to pull one back five minutes later as Karen Baillie broke                                                through after good service from Gillian Inglis, but was pressured out after finding herself                                                    with no support.

                                             With only two til the break, Spartans thought they had doubled their advantage after a                                                      stramash in the Accies box had them believing it went over the line, but the referee waved it                                              away to their frustration. 

                                             Hamilton had the chance to square up the score just a minute into the second, but Inglis' cross on the end of a Laura Gallen freekick was flagged off before anyone could get on the end of it.

The second came on the 53rd however as Mason's low cross was knocked in from close range with ease by Marshall.

With ten to go Courtney McAvoy set up Megan Quigley to drive into the box, but her final shot was held as Accies still search for a win ahead of their next game against Hearts.