Mart: My new-look Accies need quick fix
Martin Canning admits new-look Hamilton were well off the pace after they were humbled by League Two Annan.
Accies hit the woodwork twice and had the bulk of the play but were undone on the hour when home sub Aidan Smith stepped off the bench and scored with his first touch on the hour.
Manager Canning, who started with five debutants, to be a stroll. A lesson for us to learn is that we need to be right at the top of our game to be good.”
Livi made the breakthrough in 24 minutes when Miller held up play and chested the ball into the path of Pittman who confidently drilled home.
It was 2- 0 two minutes later when Airdrie keeper Scott Gallacher fumbled a simple catch from Ricki Lamie’s header and Miller tapped in the rebound.
Airdrie grabbed a lifeline in 53 minutes when Duffy beat Lions keeper Liam Kelly to the punch and poked home but couldn’t claw it back.
Diamonds gaffer boss Stevie Findlay said: “We had a few harsh words at half-time.
“We have to learn to perform over 90 minutes and not just 45.”
ANTHONY HAGGERTY
felt his side didn’t play with enough intensity and has demanded a rapid improvement in the coming weeks as they bid to avoid a humiliating early Betfred Cup exit.
He said: “Some of our boys have no experience of Scottish football and I’ve told them they need to be able to compete. The football up here is intense and quick.
“We shouldn’t be conceding from a set-piece and we didn’t do enough with the opportunities we had.
“It was only our third game with a lot of new players. You need time to gel.
“I’ve no doubt that by the start of the season we’ll have improved no end on that performance.”
Rakish Bingham hit the post early on for Accies before Smith headed Annan in front from a Ryan Sinnamon corner.
Mickel Miller then headed against the bar as Accies pressed for a leveller but Annan held firm.
Athletic boss Peter Murphy said: “It was an excellent performance.”