Canning says team must be patient

Hamilton boss Martin Canning admits his side will need to be patient again as they continue their Betfred Cup campaign against Albion Rovers.

Accies have had to work hard to get the breakthrough in their opening two Group G games, eventually beating East Kilbride 3-1 at the K-park thanks to two goals in the final nine minutes, before drawing 1-1 with Queen of the South on Saturday, winning the penalty shootout for the bonus point.

It took until the 87th minute for substitute Steven Boyd to prise open the Doonhamers defence, albeit Stephen Dobbie levelled a minute later to take the game to penalties.

And Canning is anticipating another tough outing against Lanarkshire rivals Rovers at Cliftonhill.

He said: “It will be the same again. It will be a similar type of game in terms of they will be well organised and look to frustrate.

“We need to make sure we have enough quality to put more crosses into the box and try to get the goal.

“I think in these games, if you can get the first goal, hopefully you can relax a bit and go and play.

“They have to come out a little bit and it can change the game.

“If you don’t, then you have to be patient, you have to keep probing, and you have to hope you get your opportunity.”