Hamilton Accies 0-0 Dundee United: Tangerines further adrift despite draw

Dundee United fell further behind at the foot of the Premiership despite a battling draw with Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

The Tangerines were well worth their point but with Kilmarnock beating Motherwell, they trail second bottom spot – now occupied by the Steelmen – by 12 points.

It was no classic in wintry Lanarkshire but Mixu Paatelainen’s mean fought hard to take their first away point since a draw at Inverness on December 19.

Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was the hero as he saved a late Ali Crawford penalty after Paul Paton was penalised for bring down Dougie Imrie in the 85th minute.

United’s best chance had come eight minutes from the end of the first half when John Rankin fed Simon Murray in the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by Michael McGovern.

Early in the second period United had strong appeals for a penalty of their own, after a Lucas Tagliapietra challenge on Coll Donaldson. Referee Steven McLean waved them away.