Ross County 0-2 Hamilton Academical: Hosts four adrift at bottom

Hamilton will target a move up the Scottish Premiership, said boss Brian Rice after they beat Ross County in what proved to be Stuart Kettlewell's last game as County manager.

Kettlewell confirmed his dismissal in his post-match interview following his side's eighth defeat in 10 matches.

Goals from Ross Callachan and Scott Martin secured Accies's win.

"We've been in the position County are in and it'll galvanise them, it galvanised us," said Rice.

"But my aim now is to catch the team above us."

Hamilton have now taken seven points from a possible 12 to boost their survival hopes.

And their second win in three games left Ross County four points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership.

• Kettlewell sacked as County manager

• Reaction & as it happened

Separated by just one point beforehand, both teams knew the stakes. Defeat would leave either side floundering at the bottom of the table.

County, who began with three strikers, threw everything at the visitors. Michael Gardyne offered the first of several early threats, racing on to a long ball and cutting onto his left foot before shooting wide.

The pace was frantic, with little composure from either side, but Hamilton broke the deadlock when David Moyo cut inside, held off a defender and knocked the ball to Callachan, who drove the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

County responded by continuing their assault on the visitors' goal. Gardyne, Ross Stewart, Oli Shaw, Jordan Tillson, and Alex Iacovitti all had efforts. But Hamilton's defence continued to stand firm.

Hamilton appeared content to let County take the ball wide, confident they could defend the crosses.

But they were nearly caught out when Stewart met Keith Watson's delivery, only for the striker to head into the ground. Stewart forced another save a minute later as the pressure showed no sign of letting up.

But then it was 2-0. County defender Callum Morris' header was wayward, landing at the feet of Scott Martin who raced forward, drifted by a defender, and hammered the ball low into the far corner.

Hamilton had managed just two shots on target, but had scored twice.

And it was almost three when Moyo burst into the box, but thumped his shot off the legs of goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw.

Man of the match - Aaron Martin

Each of Hamilton's back line were contenders as they threw themselves in front of everything County threw at them.

What did we learn?

County had plenty of the ball and most of the chances, but even with three strikers lacked any real threat. Every save from Hamilton goalkeeper Ryan Fulton were ones you expected him to make.

They have not won in the Premiership since 19 September, and haven't picked up three points at home since the opening day of the season.

And minutes after the match, Kettlewell revealed to BBC Scotland that he had been "relieved of his duties" as manager, which was then confirmed by the club on Twitter.

Hamilton defended for their lives and were clinical when the chances did come their way. And that is now two wins and a draw in their last four games as they begin their rise up the table.

What did they say?

Sacked Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell: "I've now been relieved of my duties. From my point of view it's obviously gut wrenching and a bit raw now.

"I'll take it on the chin as I always do and put myself out there and take responsibility for what's not been good enough, and it hasn't been good enough. We find ourselves at the bottom of the league."

Hamilton head coach Brian Rice: "They were outstanding. We've picked up another one or two injuries but the kids have come on and given us energy and life. We had a blip last week against Hibs [losing 4-0], but that's now two clean sheets in three games."

What next?

Ross County are away to Celtic on Wednesday (18:00 GMT), a venue where they picked up a rare win on their last visit in the League Cup last month.

Hamilton are also in action that evening, hosting Livingston (18:00) who are just one point above them.

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