William Hill League One
Broadwood Stadium
Saturday 22nd November, 3PM
Aaron Lynch
FT HAMILTON ACADEMICAL FC 3-1 KELTY HEARTS FC
After a disappointing defeat to Cove Rangers at Balmoral Stadium last weekend, Hamilton looked to return to winning ways as they took on Kelty Hearts at Broadwood.
John Rankin made one change to his Accies XI for this afternoon’s match as Stewart McKinstry replaced captain Scott Robinson who missed out due to illness. As for our visitors, they opted for one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Queen Of The South seven days ago.
KICK-OFF
Hamilton started the match positively and took the lead inside five minutes as Stewart McKinstry found space down the right hand side and drove the ball across the box towards Oli Shaw who made no mistake with the finish.
After sustained pressure over the following 20 minutes, Kelty Hearts found their equaliser as the ball broke to Craig Johnston inside the box and he fired past Jamie Smith for his first goal of the season.
Hamilton threatened again in the 34th minute as Oli Shaw received the ball under pressure and laid it off to Connor Smith but he was unable to finish, sending his shot wide of the near post.
A sub-par performance from Accies saw the teams go into the break on level terms.
SECOND HALF
Hamilton started the second half much like they did the first and got themselves in front in the 52nd minute as Steven Bradley’s sublime set piece delivery met the head of Oli Shaw who powerfully finished into the top corner for his second goal of the afternoon.
Moments later Kelty threatened to level the game as James Graham tried his luck from a tight angle, forcing Jamie Smith into a fantastic save. With 20 minutes to play, Hamilton extended their advantage as Steven Bradley’s venomous cross met Kevin O’Hara who tapped in at the backpost to secure the points.
As the game drew to a close Kelty threw everything at Hamilton in search of a route back into the game but the Accies defence held strong to deny them.
A much improved second half performance from Hamilton saw three goals and three points at Broadwood.
