McCarthy was forced to watch from the bench as manager Billy Reid instead opted to push defender Tony Stevenson forward but it wasn't working and he took just 32 minutes to swap the latter in favour of the Republic of Ireland under-21 star.

McCarthy's influence helped David Graham to cancel out Gary McDonald's early opener before the Hamilton star took centre stage with a winning strike to end an unwanted 78-year wait for a Hamilton win in Aberdeen.

"I decided to leave James out initially because he'd had a hard week away with the Republic and I don't want him to suffer burn-out," said Reid. "But I'm not afraid to change things – no matter how early – if they aren't working and I asked him to get on the ball and help us.

"He did just that and there is very little more I can say about James other than he is a fantastic prospect."

A day that ended in sheer joy for Hamilton left Aberdeen fans feeling empty and disillusioned.

Yet their afternoon got off to the perfect start as they packed into Pittodrie to welcome back Sone Aluko.

The exciting teenage winger completed his permanent move from Birmingham to Aberdeen on transfer deadline day, following a hugely successful loan spell at Pittodrie last term, and he was given a hero's welcome.

His response was almost immediate. One kick of his heels saw him outstrip Simon Mensing on the left flank to flash an inviting ball across the face of goal. This time there were no takers but it was a stark warning to Hamilton.

His presence in the Dons' ranks seemed to inspire the home side early on and it was little surprise when they fashioned an exquisite opener on eight minutes.

Lee Miller did superbly well to shield the ball inside the 18-yard box for Gary McDonald to fire low in off the post.

It was nearly two in 29 minutes as the impressive Charlie Mulgrew curled one of his free-kick specials just over the top.

However, Hamilton's status as the top flight's surprise package was further strengthened when they forced their way back into this one before the break.

They confidently passed the ball around, probing for an opening, and it duly came on 35 minutes. Mensing, terrorised by Aluko in the opening period, caused some damage of his own with a teasing cross.

Graham judged the flight of the ball perfectly to swivel and volley high into the net from 15 yards. It was a goal fit to grace any arena, confirming that Hamilton have been a breath of fresh air since their promotion last term.

However, they so nearly went into the dressing room at half-time a goal down as Aluko made one more blistering run into the box only for Darren Mackie to fail to get the required touch to prod the ball in from six yards.

The visitors started the second period brightest and, shortly before the hour mark, Jamie Langfield was left cruelly exposed by the home defence.

Andrew Considine was robbed by McCarthy, who lobbed the ball over Langfield to leave the home crowd in stunned silence.

It was little more than the Lanarkshire side deserved as they zipped the ball about superbly, looked incredibly well organised and pulled Aberdeen all over the pitch.

Those pre-season doubters who had Hamilton marked down as certs for relegation could well be forced to eat humble pie.

Perhaps the only thing that could upset the apple-cart for them between now and May is the January transfer window. With further displays like this from McCarthy and co, there will be more than few eager scouts keen to help their bosses to the slice of the Hamilton pie.

If McCarthy isn't within range, perhaps keeper Tomás Cerrny may be as he saved Hamilton with one terrific stop from Aluko to seal the win as Aberdeen tried desperately to save the game.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Surprisingly left on the bench, James McCarthy took advantage of a first-half injury to team-mate Tony Stevenson to add genuine class and composure to a Hamilton side that richly deserved this win.

QUICK FACT
Records are there to be broken but very few can have lasted as long as this one did until yesterday. Not since 1930, an incredible 78 years, had Hamilton won in the Granite City.

TALKING POINT
The match programme declared "Have Aluko Who's Back" on the cover as they hailed the second debut of winger Sone Aluko and he didn't disappoint. He may well have ended up a loser but Aluko showed enough to suggest his spark can win games.