Subs pay off in win over Cove
Paul Thomson
Hamilton Accies made it four wins on the bounce with a hardfought victory at Cove Rangers on Saturday.
And boss John Rankin reckons his second-half substitutes were key to getting them over the line at Balmoral Stadium.
The visitors opened the scoring thanks to a Connor Scully own goal inside 13 minutes, however Scully atoned for that error with the equaliser in the 56th minute.
Accies threw on Jake Hastie, Euan Henderson and Marley Redfern in the second half and Henderson edged them in front seven minutes from time before a wonder strike from Kevin O’hara, who has just signed a contract extension at New Douglas Park, sealed the points four minutes from time.
Rankin said: “I thought we were really good in the first half but the conditions were really difficult.
“The wind was so strong that one of [goalkeeper] Dean Lyness’ kicks almost blew straight back into his 18-yard box.
“We dominated the first half in terms of keeping the ball and creating opportunities, but we never capitalised on them which was the disappointing part, going in at half-time with a 1-0 lead.
“In the second half the wind was a problem again because it was behind us and we couldn’t get the ball to stick.
“We were over-hitting it or the passing distance was becoming too long and inaccurate.
“That gave Cove a bit of impetus and they scored a really good goal to get back into the game.
“But what really changed it for us was Jake Hastie coming on, driving forward and getting the ball to Kev, who hit the bar.
“That chance gave us a bit of belief that we could go on and win the game.
“The changes certainly affected the game. Jake, Euan Henderson and Marley Redfern swung the game in our favour.
“Hendo was in the right place at the right time for his goal and hopefully that gives him confidence going forward.
“He caused a bit of mayhem leading up to the third goal and the finish from Kev is class.
“It was a different kind of finish from him, but that’s the sort of confidence he is playing with right now.
“Getting him to sign a new contract was a no-brainer.
“We are delighted to get the three points because Cove away is always one of the toughest games of the season.”
The result keeps Accies well clear in second spot in League One and delayed Falkirk’s march to lifting the title.
The Bairns can wrap the trophy up this week with a positive result at home to Montrose, while Accies can make absolutely sure of their play-off place if they beat Queen of the South at home and rivals Alloa and Montrose slip up.
On Saturday’s visit from the Doonhamers, Rankin said: “After some bad results last month, we’ve managed to turn things around.
“The momentum we have built then has been good and it is a case of continuing that against Queen of the South, who are another difficult opponent coming in off the back of a good win away to an in-form Alloa team.
“It will be a tough game but one we are looking forward to.”