Edinburgh City 2-4 Hamilton: Match Report

27 July 2016 09:34

Hamilton battle from two goals down to defeat Edinburgh City in Betfred Cup

Alex D'Acol and Jordan McGregor hit their first goals for Hamilton as Accies came from two goals down to beat Edinburgh City 4-2 in the Betfred Cup.

Accies were level nine minutes after Ross Allum struck the first of his quickfire double thanks to Ali Crawford's free-kick and D'Acol's smart finish.

And the Lanarkshire side took control after the break with McGregor and Dougie Imrie netting to ensure they join St Mirren on six points, three behind Group G leaders Ayr.

With Michael Devlin suspended and Scott McMann joining long-term injury victim Jesus Garcia Tena among Hamilton's defensive absentees, Accies started with left-back Antons Kurakins and teenager McGregor - a summer arrival from Hibernian - in central defence.

The new-look back line was first put in trouble from Joseph Mbu's ball over the top but Remi Matthews tipped Allum's lob over the bar.

The Lowland League champions opened the scoring from the resulting 17th-minute corner. Mark McConnell's header was cleared off the line and Allum volleyed home.

Allum fired his second inside Matthews' near post three minutes later after McConnell's cross bounced over McGregor and Grant Gillespie.

But Hamilton's response was instant. Crawford curled a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner and they levelled four minutes later. Louis Longridge helped Greg Docherty's high ball into the box and D'Acol turned and slotted home from 12 yards.

Both goalkeepers saved efforts, including another Crawford free-kick, before McConnell looped a header on to his own bar just before the break.

Accies pinned their hosts back after the restart and took the lead 20 minutes into the second half following a well-worked set-piece. Longridge peeled off to collect Crawford's free-kick and drove the ball across the goalmouth for McGregor to force over the line.

Imrie netted from the spot five minutes later after McConnell brought down Gillespie.


Source: PA