Rankin praises side as they fight for win
ANNAN ATHLETIC ................................. 1 HAMILTON ACADEMICAL ................... 3
Hamilton boss John Rankin says his side showed two sides to their game as they battled against the elements to beat Annan and secure a secondplaced League One finish.
A seven-game unbeaten run means Accies are guaranteed to finish second to runaway champions Falkirk as a result, as they look to see out their campaign.
High winds caused by Storm Kathleen caused havoc at Galabank, with referee Greg Soutar warning that the game may not be played to a finish.
But Accies forced an own goal through Tommy Muir in 38 minutes to go in 1-0 at the interval.
With the wind at their backs, they then added strikes from Ben Williamson in 61 minutes, and Euan Henderson five minutes from time.
Rankin said: “To go down to Annan and play in the conditions that we played in was extremely difficult.
“The referee said to me before the game that they would start it, but it might not finish, the conditions were that bad.
“I’ve got to give the players huge credit for playing in those conditions and getting a result.
“We had to show two different sides of our game on Saturday, I thought we did that well and merited the three points.
“It’s a difficult place to go to, we were against the wind in the first half, and had to find a way of surviving, basically.
“We played some really good football into the wind, and we had to deal with the pressure they were putting on us, because they could put everyone into one half and try to squeeze us.
“It’s an important win, a huge win, and it continues the run that we’re on.”
Kevin O’hara called off before the game, while Jamie Barjonas was suspended, and Rankin was pleased to see goals spread through the team.
“That gave an opportunity for others to go and play,” said Rankin.
“The first goal was a good ball into the box and it was an own goal, but we were in the right areas to cause them problems.
“The second goal from Ben is a really good strike from outside the box and I’m delighted for him.
“Once Ben gets into a rhythm he’ll be a big asset for us.
“Hendo gets himself into some really good positions with the way he plays, so for him to capitalise on one of those is great.”