GREG DOCHERTY unselfishly, but perhaps unfairly, has taken responsibility for Hamilton’s inability to secure three points against St Johnstone on Sunday.

The midfielder, who had scored their opening goal, missed a great opportunity for a second which would have put them within reach of three points, but he was left to rue his misfortune when Liam Craig equalised for Saints.

"It was a very bitter sweet moment for me," Docherty said. "I am absolutely deflated as I should have scored a second and I let the boys down a wee bit on that front.

"I will just dust myself down and get ready to go again next week now as I am desperate to make up for it.

"We should have got all three points and I am gutted we didn't – I just can't believe we have not got them.”

While Docherty took responsibility, he pointed out that Hamilton must find a solution to squandering the lead.

He said: "We have to defend better. Apart from one match we have taken the lead in every match this season and we should have more points and be higher up the table. We are all disappointed that we are not.”

St Johnstone midfielder Craig feels securing a point was indicative of the spirit in their camp.

He said: “It wasn’t a case of getting up for it at Hamilton after the League Cup defeat by Aberdeen last week because we knew how well we had started in the league.

“It just shows you how strong the squad is, that’s one thing about this group of boys. We don’t get too carried away when we lose. Even although it was bitterly disappointing last Thursday, we always bounce back.

“We kept digging away like this team does. To take a point at Hamilton when you add that to the three at Partick Thistle and three against Hearts last week it’s not a bad seven points.”