Hamilton Academical 2-0 Motherwell

• Jason Scotland opens scoring in first half

• Ali Crawford's 10th goal of season doubles lead

• Hamilton's first win under Martin Canning

Player-manager Martin Canning claimed his first win since taking charge of Hamilton as they won the Lanarkshire derby against Motherwell.

Jason Scotland put Hamilton in front after Lee Erwin tried to be too clever in midfield and lost possession.

Ali Crawford extended the lead after half-time with a well-placed shot.

While Hamilton have secured their top-flight status for another season, Motherwell have it all to do to avoid the play-offs.

A win for Ross County on Saturday would see the Steelmen slip nine points behind the Dingwall men with just 12 to play for, while St Mirren can also close the gap at the bottom to seven points.

It was nights like these that Friday night football was designed for, and Motherwell supporters packed out the away end at New Douglas Park, welcoming the teams out with a colourful card display.

On the field there were half chances at both ends. Grant Gillespie sent a weak shot wide for Hamilton, before goalkeeper Michael McGovern palmed away Motherwell winger Lionel Ainsworth's deflected effort.

Hamilton then took full advantage when Erwin gave away possession in his own half, leaving Scotland to slip in between two defenders to pick his spot in the bottom left-hand corner.

Erwin almost made up for his error when he caught the ball on the half-volley but his shot swept past the post.

Both sides hit the bar with shots from Accies' Michael Devlin and Motherwell's Marvin Johnson.

There was dejection for Motherwell's Keith Lasley at full-time

Hamilton striker Darian MacKinnon saw his powerful effort saved but it was Motherwell who finished the first half the strongest with Erwin and Ainsworth getting shots away from inside the area.

They started the second half on the front foot too; Erwin almost diverting a free-kick from the left into the far corner, but they would pay for their profligacy in front of goal.

Crawford's first touch from Dougie Imrie's pass set the former up for his left-foot shot into the corner, his 10th goal of the season.

Substitute Dom Thomas's low shot skimmed the post for Motherwell, then Devlin headed over from close range.

Motherwell's confidence slowly disappeared and defeat in their next fixture against Ross County could condemn Ian Baraclough's men to the relegation play-offs.