Rice praises true grit of 10-man Accies
A week proved to be a long time in football for Hamilton manager Brian Rice.
Last weekend he had to speak about his side having a nightmare start to the Premiership after losing 3-0 at Ross County.
Yesterday he was bursting with pride as he paid tribute to the players who beat Kilmarnock despite playing for nearly 40 minutes with 10 men.
He had special mention for teenager Lewis Smith and goalkeeper Owain Fon-Williams.
Smith scored his first league goal for the club and Fon-Williams gave a superb display, despite spending the week at his baby daughter’s hospital bedside.
Rice said: “We saw what Hamilton is about.
“Lewis is an exceptional young talent. We all know that and I’ve been itching to get him in the team.
“We gave him the platform to show what he can do.
“I see it every day and everyone saw a glimpse in this game.
“He scored a fantastic goal then had a hand in the second goal.
“It was his work ethic off the ball when we were down to 10 which pleased me as it’s foreign to him.”
The young midfielder grew up a fan of Accies and was delighted by the victory. He said: “It was an amazing feeling. “Last week we were disappointed but we made up for it. Everyone dug in deep and it was a great feeling to get a goal.
“Every time I play I’m grateful and to score in front of my home fans was something I always wanted.”
Rice explained what a difficult week it had been for Fon-Williams.
He said: “His baby girl has been ill all week and has been in hospital so for him to play was great credit to him.
“I asked him if he wanted to play but I didn’t need to.
“He was in the hospital in the evening then training next morning.
“There was never any question about whether he’d play or not. It’s the character of the guy.
“I knew what I was getting – he was Wales number three at the Euros and he’s outstanding.”