BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
NEIL LENNON insists his side were taught a lesson by Hamilton as Hibs were brought crashing down to earth with a chastening 3-1 defeat.
Rakish Bingham bagged a brace as Martin Canning’s men outclassed their hosts at Easter Road, with Louis Longridge also getting his name on the score-sheet before Anthony Stokes netted a late consolation.
Longridge also struck the cross-bar during a second period which saw Accies cutting the Hibees open at will.
Lennon was typically honest in his assessment of their first competitive defeat this term – and did not absolve himself of blame.
“There was no crispness, no final ball of genuine quality and it’s something I need to look at,” acknowledged Lennon.
“I’ll take responsibility. I’ve been sort of not been myself in terms of staying on the backs of the players over the week – and that won’t happen again.
“I thought there was a flatness about us, there was no zip and the better team won. Hamilton were streetwise, they were smart. They defended far better than us.
“We’ve had a great start to the season, a lot of nice things have been said about this team. But we were nowhere near the finished article – and we are still nowhere near the finished article and that has to be a real harsh lesson for the players.
“There wasn’t one player I could say came out with any credit apart from my goalkeeper. The rest let the game pass them by and that is a worry.”
Hamilton boss Martin Canning, meanwhile, hailed the performance as arguably the finest of his tenure in the New Douglas Park hot-seat.
“I’ve had some good days here, and today was no exception,” beamed Canning. “It was probably one of our most complete performances since I’ve taken over.
“The first half was good and I said to the boys at half time that with a bit more belief we could win the game.
“In the second half we were excellent. The third goal in particular was a great team goal. I’m really pleased with the work rate and togetherness from everybody.”
