HAMILTON ACCIES boss Billy Reid hopes his side's display in the first 20 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Hearts is not a sign of things to come.

The New Douglas Park side have started the season well after making the step up to the SPL, but Reid can't understand why they began so poorly against the Tynecastle side.

"We can't perform like that and get away with it in the SPL," he admitted after his side's first home defeat in 16 months.

"I don't know why, but for the first 20 minutes we just didn't turn up.

"We had three big, strong lads up front, but they fell short for us and we told them as much."

The harsh facts are that for all Accies have enjoyed the plaudits in the last four weeks that have come from the flair and exuberance their young charges have shown, you cannot gift possession in the SPL without retribution.

Much has been expected of James McCarthy this season, but it ought to be remembered that he is but 17. Too much pressure on his shoulders at this stage of his development will hinder him and Reid is mindful of that.

"We have to play as a team and that is what we have tried to instil into the players," he said. "We don't have problems that anyone else doesn't have.

"Hearts took the wind right out of our sails and we couldn't get going."

Meanwhile, Jim Jefferies' Kilmarnock maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a fine 2-0 triumph over Dundee United at Tannadice and are joint top alongside Rangers.

Goals either side of the break from Gavin Skelton and Danny Invincibile ensured the three points headed back to Ayrshire.

Killie have now notched up three wins and a draw from their first four outings - and have yet to concede a goal. Goalscorer Skelton was delighted with his first strike for the club on his debut.