Ross County manager Jim McIntyre says today’s opponents Hamilton Accies are the perfect example of why a flying start to the season is so important.
Accies looked in contention to cruise into the top six last season following promotion from the Championship, going on an excellent unbeaten run of seven wins from nine league games after losing their opening game 2-0 to Caley Thistle.
The Lanarkshire side’s success prompted English side Norwich City to move for manager Alex Neil in January but Accies’ form dipped after Martin Canning replaced him, with the 33-year-old failing to win any of his first 13 matches in charge prior to April’s 2-0 victory against Motherwell.
The result of Hamilton’s slump was a bottom-half finish but their fine start meant they were always clear of relegation danger and McIntyre says replicating Accies’ form of early last season is his target.
McIntyre, who has a full squad to choose from after left back Jamie Reckord recovered from an achilles injury, said: “Hamilton showed last season with the momentum they had from winning the play-off and getting off to a fabulous start can take you a long way.
“It was a fantastic start and they carried on with the momentum from where they left when they won their promotion play-off against Hibs.
“They had a fabulous first half of the season. The second half of the season didn’t go the way they wanted it to but in terms of their overall goal when they came up to the Premiership I am sure they were pleased.
“It’s something we’d like to emulate and get a good start at home.”
County finished last season in style, winning 10 of their last 14 matches to finish ninth, having been six points adrift at the bottom of the table in early February.
However, McIntyre is eager to get off to a better start than last season, which saw the Staggies win just two of their first 24 games.
McIntyre added: “Last season was exceptional, with the run we put together. Games at this level are very difficult to win but if we get the confidence going, it can carry us a long way.
“The sooner we get those points on board, the better for everyone.”