Ross County 3-0 Hamilton: Billy Mckay scores as Staggies trounce Accies

Billy Mckay inspired Ross County as they made a winning return to the Scottish Premiership against a sloppy Hamilton Academical.

The striker set up Joe Chalmers' opener and buried the second as County made it five wins from five this term after a 100% League Cup ground campaign.

Ross Stewart headed another for the hosts after the break.

Hamilton threatened mainly through Blair Alston's long-range efforts but only after they were two behind.

Head coach Brian Rice can at least take solace from an improved second-half display but Accies have work to do before next week's visit of Kilmarnock after looking vulnerable in defence throughout.

County, co-managed by Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell, face Hearts away next and will be buoyed by an increasingly impressive start to the season.

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County show they mean business

County are the first team in four years to bounce straight back up to the top flight at the first time of asking and, like Hearts in 2015, are showing few signs of being overawed.

Their play lacked finesse at times but their forcefulness led to three unsuccessful penalty claims for handball before Chalmers struck.

Mckay seemed outnumbered on the edge of the box as he retrieved possession but kept the attack alive by squaring for Chalmers, whose left-foot effort curved past Owain Fon Williams.

And the Northern Irishman was typically ruthless from close range after Hunt had been dispossessed by Stewart deep inside Hamilton's half.

Stewart should have done better when he headed Michael Gardyne's cross into Fon Williams' arms in the second period but atoned for that miss with a telling nod on Mullin's delivery.

By then Hamilton had started to show the kind of quality that has sustained them in the Premiership for five years, albeit too late.

Ross Cunningham tested Ross Laidlaw and Alston had three efforts saved, one in particular bringing the best out in the County keeper.

County could have added to their advantage but there was all but done by the time Mckay made way for Brian Graham with 16 minutes left.

Ross County unfurled the Scottish Championship flag before kick-off

Man of the match - Josh Mullin

BBC Scotland's Eilidh Davies in Dingwall

Although not on the scoresheet, Josh Mullin put in an important shift for the Highland side.

The 26-year-old wide man put in some great runs up and down the wing and sent countless deliveries into the box, as well as having a fierce shot saved.

His free-kick for Ross Stewart's headed goal and high energy were evidence of a player and a team eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage following the step up from the Championship.

Hamilton lack cutting edge - stats

Accies had almost as many efforts on target as County (six)

'We won't be in the league if we show that lack of fight' - reaction

Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson: "We are delighted. To score three goals, to keep a clean sheet was really pleasing for Stuart Kettlewell and I.

"We're not getting carried away, it's one game of football."

Hamilton Academical head coach Brian Rice: "We've got to prove that we deserve to be in this league and we won't be in the league if we show the lack of fight and lack of desire that we showed.

"It was really, really disappointing today. Fair play to Ross County, they thoroughly deserved to win."