Amazing Accies hit four to grab point in Stark’s thriller
RAITH ROVERS 4
Vaughan (13 pen, 65), Zanatta (25), Connolly (52)
HAMILTON ACCIES 4
Macdonald (68, 83), Ryan (77), Want (90+2)
An astonishing late fightback by Hamilton Accies secured a point against Raith Rovers in an eight-goal Stark’s Park classic.
Accies taking anything from the game had appeared impossible after the home side had dominated play for more than an hour.
They carved out what appeared to be an unassailable 4-0 lead before the Lanarkshire men responded with four goals of their own in the closing stages to grab a point.
Accies’ manager Brian Rice was understandably full of praise for the spirit shown by his players to complete the amazing comeback.
“I’ve never been involved in a game like that during my time as a manager,” said Rice.
“It was an incredible game of football.
“My players never gave up. In situations like that you just need a wee bit of luck, a wee bit of self belief and that’s what got us back into the game today.
“For any spectator who was here today, it’s a game they’ll never forget.”
Clearly still hurting from the wound left by last season’s relegation, Accies began the game in purposeful fashion. However, it was Raith who took the lead and, as a consequence, control of the game with just 13 minutes on the clock.
The opener came from the penalty spot when Accies defender Jamie Hamilton handled a cross from Aidan
Connolly, leaving Rovers’ talismanic midfielder, Lewis Vaughan, free to make his customarily efficient job of converting from 12 yards.
The home side dominated the remainder of the first half and it was no surprise when Dario Zanatta increased their lead in 25 minutes with a goal of sublime beauty, both in its creation and execution.
The move began when goalkeeper Jamie Macdonald rolled the ball out to Regan Tumilty who then unleashed an exceptionally accurate 60-yard pass to Zanatta. The Canadian winger then displaying superb control before cutting inside and firing his shot high into the next from the edge of the penalty area.
Hamilton looked a beaten side at this stage and any remote hopes of a comeback appeared to be eradicated early in the second half when Connolly sent a low shot past Ryan Fulton to make it 3-0.
Vaughan then added his second of the afternoon with a fine solo effort before ex-rover Kieran Macdonald netted to launch the Accies’ fightback with 22 minutes remaining.
Substitute Andy Ryan then fired the ball high into the net to make it 4-2 and the small band of visiting fans dared to dream when Macdonald struck again before an unbelievable outcome to the game was confirmed when Shaun Want equalised in stoppage time.
Raith boss John Mcglynn was surprisingly upbeat at the end.
“I thought that was an amazing game of football,” he said.
“Some great goals, some great entertainment, but we shouldn’t be losing games when we’re 4-0 up.”