Hamilton Academical 3-0 St Mirren

Hamilton Academical stayed within two points of the Scottish Premiership summit after dominating a poor St Mirren side.

Tony Andreu put the hosts 1-0 in front before half time and Mickael Antoine-Curier doubled the lead from close range midway through the second-half.

Ali Crawford added a third as the hosts ended a four game run without a win.

Despite a late rally, Tommy Craig's St Mirren remain second bottom, ahead of Ross County on goal difference.

Craig gave debuts to teenagers Stevie Mallan and Jack Baird, while Mark Ridgers replaced Marian Kello in goal.

Ali Crawford is hailed by his team-mates after netting the third goal for Hamilton Academical

Hamilton threatened right from the kick-off - Crawford getting a shot away after just eight seconds - and forced the majority of the early chances, with Crawford firing another effort just wide from 20 yards.

Soon after Danny Redmond set-up Antoine-Curier but his shot went just over the bar.

It took until the 23rd minute for the first St Mirren shot on target when Sean Kelly, playing left-midfield, rifled in an effort that was well saved by Michael McGovern.

But Accies were the dominant force and took the lead five minutes before half-time. The brilliant Andreu found a yard of space at the edge of the box before hooking a shot past the outstretched hand of Ridgers.

Accies should have been 2-0 up just after the break, only for Andreu to head over an Antoine-Curier cross.

The a header from Redmond flashed wide, before Ridgers produced an amazing save to deny Antoine-Curier.

Tony Andreu notched the opener for Hamilton with an excellent finish

St Mirren looked devoid of inspiration up front and less than solid at the back, while Hamilton probably deserved to be further ahead.

Midway through the second-half it was 2-0 when Ridgers failed to hold a shot from Andreu and Antoine-Curier netted the rebound.

Crawford made it 3-0 as Hamilton stuffed the points in the bag.

But then St Mirren suddenly sparked into life. James Marwood forced a great save from McGovern and a shot from Kenny McLean struck the frame of the bar before Adam Brown also hit the woodwork.

Marwood was making an impact and his cross to fellow sub Callum Ball should have resulted in a goal, but the Englishman missed the target.