Hamilton, Scotland (My Sportsbook) - Hamilton Academical coach Billy Reid was thrilled after his club won its season opener Monday.

Hamilton, which was promoted to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in nearly 20 years this season, defeated Dundee United 3-1.

Last season's Scottish First Division champions overcame an early own goal with two goals before halftime and the clinching goal early in the second half.

Reid, obviously overlooking the own goal, couldn't think of a better debut.

"I don't think it could have gone any better than that. I said before the game it was a big, big test against a good Dundee United side," Reid said.

"We passed that with flying colors. We knew we have got good players, but you are never sure until you step into the arena."

Hamilton's long-term fortunes are uncertain but if the club can pick up another win Saturday at Inverness, the new kids in the SPL may prove they can stick in the top half of the standings.

Hamilton, which hasn't been in Scotland's top flight since 1988-89, got off to a horrible start in its return when defender Mark McLaughlin headed the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute.

But the deficit only lasted six minutes.

Tony Stevenson leveled the match nine minutes later off a free kick and James McArthur, who was "absolutely sensational," Reid said, handed his side the lead in the 39th.

McArthur literally handed Hamilton the lead when McLaughlin headed the ball off his arm and into the net.

David Graham made sure the Accies' debut was successful, scoring from 15 yards out in the 63rd minute to put the finishing touches on the victory.

Hamilton currently sits atop the SPL with three-time defending champions Celtic and Rangers among the five other teams that won opening matches. Iverness also won its opener, defeating Aberdeen 2-0.

In Saturday's other matches, Rangers hosts Hearts, St. Mirren hosts Kilmarnock, Motherwell hosts Aberdeen and Hibernian hosts Falkirk.

On Sunday, Celtic visits Dundee United.