Hamilton still on play-off high
Hamilton boss Alex Neil believes his side are still feeding off the high of last season's promotion play-off victory.
Accies turned around a 2-0 first-leg deficit before beating Hibernian on penalties at Easter Road to claim their place in the Scottish Premiership.
And they have made a flying start to life in the top flight.
After losing their opening fixture to Inverness, Neil's side have racked up four wins and a draw to claim top spot.
But the player-manager believes their hot streak can be traced back to their dramatic Leith triumph.
Neil said: "Looking at the league table adds to the confidence the lads are feeling.
"But we were already confident. You will never get a bigger dose of confidence than the way we finished last season.
"We were written off after the play-off first leg but then went to the home ground of one of the biggest teams in Scotland and beat them on their own patch.
"Going up through the play-offs was the best finish to a season that I've been involved in, so we were always going to hit the ground running in terms of how confident we were.
"Now we are being tested at a higher level and it's been about adapting to that challenge and getting points. But more importantly, it's been about showing the players that they are good enough to compete at this level.
"That belief is there now and I don't think it will leave. It's not one or two games in which we have done well. It's been over the last five games that we have shown we are a good side."
But Neil is not getting over excited about their lofty league position.
He added: "I'm not looking too much into the league table right now but the fact we have accumulated 13 points is pleasing.
"Any team coming up will say their first goal is to stay in the league, but we didn't set our stall out to finish 10th. We've not re-evaluated things because of our start. We just want to have as good a season as possible."
Kilmarnock midfielder Jamie Hamill admits Hamilton have been a welcome breath of fresh air in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Killie could never have expected to travel to New Douglas Park seven games into the season knowing that they would face the league leaders.
But Hamill believes Accies deserve that accolade for the brand of football they have played.
Alex Neil's side won four league games on the trot after losing their opening match, and took an impressive point from Dundee United at Tannadice last season.
Hamill said: "I've been pleasantly surprised to be honest, they play some good stuff, especially on the 4G park.
"They have started the season really well. Coming up against the league leaders is going to be exciting."
But Killie can move level with Accies if they win in Lanarkshire and Hamill believes that finishing will be the key factor in their meeting.
The former Hearts player said: "We have been playing really well. Bar the Inverness game we have created a lot of chances and it's just about getting the ball in the net.
"Getting the first goal is really important, especially in this league because I don't think there is much in teams in this league.
"So it's important we start well at Hamilton."
Source: PA
