Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean knows yesterday’s draw at Hamilton Accies was an opportunity missed for his club.
The Dons laboured for long spells despite McLean’s excellent fourth-minute opener at New Douglas Park and their poor defensive display was eventually punished when former Caley Thistle midfielder Dougie Imrie netted an equaliser 20 minutes from time.
McLean knows his side’s display was not good enough and with Celtic and Hearts, the two teams above his side, both drawing on Saturday, the Dons’ failure to capitalise was not lost on the players.
The Aberdeen midfielder said: “It was a very frustrating day and we were nowhere near our best. It was never going to be easy but, having gone 1-0 up, we should have gone on to win the game.
“We didn’t look convincing at all. Hamilton put us under a lot of pressure and made it difficult for us and we can’t argue with the draw.
“When we saw the teams above us had dropped points this was a chance to capitalise but we couldn’t do it as the performance was poor. The fact we’re happy with the point shows how disappointing it was.”
McLean conceded the Reds were not at their best at Hamilton and was quick to acknowledge he and his team-mates had disappointed another strong travelling support with their poor display.
He said: “We cannot play well every week but this was one of those games where should have ground out the win.
“We go into every game looking to do well and the supporters who travelled in good numbers expect more from us.”
Having ended a six-game winless run with victory against Dundee United on November 7 the Dons travelled to Hamilton hoping to build on returning to winning ways but struggled to convince in a poor display and McLean knows there has to be a big improvement when Ross County visit Pittodrie on Saturday.
McLean said: “It’s tough to put my finger on what’s happened. We thought we had put a poor run behind us when we beat Dundee United but the only positive we can take is we didn’t lose this game.
“Our next game is Ross County at home and we know what happened in the last game against them wasn’t good enough, either. It is important we start the game properly.”