William Hill League One
Broadwood Stadium
Saturday 30th August, 3PM
Aaron Lynch
FT HAMILTON ACADEMICAL FC 0-0 COVE RANGERS FC
After a disappointing defeat on Wednesday night against Edinburgh City, Hamilton returned to League One action as they took on Cove Rangers at Broadwood.
John Rankin made six changes to his Accies XI for this evening’s game as many of the first team regulars regained their place. New signing Bobby McLuckie was named on the bench. As for our visitors they opted for five changes to the side that beat Dundee B 1-0 at Balmoral Stadium on Tuesday.
KICK-OFF
Hamilton started on the front foot and almost found the opening goal inside two minutes as Stephen Hendrie’s looping cross headed towards the far corner, forcing Robbie Mutch to tip it over the bar.
Hamilton continued to apply pressure and had another sight of goal in the 17th minute as Connor Smith tried his luck from range but couldn’t divert his shot far enough into the corner to trouble Mutch.
Eight minutes later Accies threatened again as Cale Loughrey drove down the left hand side and floated the ball towards Kyle MacDonald who’s powerful header went inches over the bar.
The remainder of the half saw little goalmouth action for either side as both teams went into the break with work to do.
SECOND HALF
Cove Rangers started the second half well and nearly found the breakthrough in the 47th minute as the ball fell to Mikey Milnes with space inside the six yard box, fortunately his effort was straight at Jamie Smith.
The following stages were scrappy as both teams struggled to threaten. With 20 minutes to play, new addition Bobby McLuckie was introduced as Accies looked for the winning goal.
Despite Hamilton dominating for large parts, the points were shared in a goalless affair at Broadwood.