Hamilton 2-1 Livingston: Brian Rice's side win first game in five

Hamilton Academical came from behind to win their first match in five with a 2-1 win over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

Gary Holt's side took the lead in the 15th minute when Alan Lithgow knocked home a header at the back post.

But Hamilton fought back as Blair Alston's rebounded shot and Ross Cunningham's late penalty earned the victory.

Livingston sit sixth in the table as Accies stay eighth.

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Direct and exciting football

You know what you are going to get from both these sides and they did not disappoint. There is no standing on ceremony when precious points are at stake, so the aim is to get the ball forward as quickly and directly as possible.

When it works, as it did for Livingston's opener, its simplicity is a marvel to behold. Aymen Souda swung a free-kick into the Accies penalty area from deep and there was the towering Lithgow to power home an emphatic header.

There was an element of the direct about the equaliser too. This time a long throw-in from Alex Gogic caused chaos in the Livingston box and although Steve Davies could not get his shot on target, Alston was on hand to divert it into the net.

Livingston perhaps looked the likelier to get the decisive third goal in the match, enjoying a little more pressure than their hosts in the second period.

But they failed to really test Owain Fon Williams and paid the price when Steven McLean, who had incensed the home fans with some of his decision-making, awarded a penalty for a barge by Livi keeper Ross Stewart on Marios Ogkmpoe.

The visitors contested that decision in vain before Cunningham blasted straight down the middle to beat Stewart from the spot. It brings to an end a run of five games without victory for Brian Rice's men, but Gary Holt's side are now without a win in four.

Livingston's worrying defensive record.

Man of the match: Sam Stubbs

Sam Stubbs has brought a solidity and composure to the Accies back-line and although he was unable to prevent Lithgow's early goal, he lost precious little else in the air.

Alongside the experienced Brian Easton, Stubbs looks a positive influence and he helped repel Livingston's direct approach and seal a valuable win.

'You're not friends when you cross the white line' - Reaction

Hamilton manager Brian Rice: "I have to be positive. I think we've only been beat once since the Motherwell game and we've been to Tynecastle, played Celtic and a tough game at Paisley last week and a very tough game today.

"So I'm delighted with what the lads have given me. Yes, we can play better. We know that but at the end of the day it's a massive three points for us.

Livingston manager Gary Holt: "I'm not going to make excuses. I'm not going to stand here and say we were unlucky. If you don't defend your box you aren't going to win games.

"First and foremost, no matter how well you play. Hamilton have put two balls in to our box today and they got a penalty and a goal. People need to take responsibility. They need to put demands on each other. You're not friends when you cross the white line. I'm very disappointed with the two goals because we were well on top of the game."