Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Academical: 10-man Accies hold on to win SPFL Trust Trophy
- Published
Reghan Tumilty crashes in what proved to be the winner
Hamilton Academical held on with 10 men to upset holders and fellow Championship side Raith Rovers and claim the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Former Rovers full-back Reghan Tumilty crashed in the only goal of the game on the half-hour mark, but John Rankin's side had to battle after Dan O'Reilly was sent off early in the second half.
Rovers pressed for an equaliser, but desperate defending and terrific goalkeeping from Ryan Fulton gave Accies their first Challenge Cup win since 1992.
Ian Murray's side started poorly, which added to a scrappy first half, but Accies were able to take the lead when Tumilty lashed in after the ball broke loose from a corner.
The second half stuck more to script as Rovers, who are 13 points above Hamilton in the league, pushed for an equaliser.
And it looked more likely when O'Reilly inexplicably crashed into Sam Stanton near the halfway line and got his marching orders from referee Colin Steven.
Stanton and Lewis Vaughan both had close-range efforts wonderfully saved by Fulton, who produced a man of the match performance when it mattered most to somehow keep Rovers out.
With manager Rankin urging on the crowd, Accies held on and will hope this trophy boosts their confidence as they fight relegation from the Championship.
What they said
Hamilton Academical manager John Rankin: "See when we lift that trophy, I'll believe it's happened because everything that could have went against us today did.
"This group of players have given us everything. Since January, the turnaround in this group has been incredible. I'm not surprised Reghan scores, he's been a sensation for us since he came in.
"I'm going to mention my leader again - Dylan McGowan. I'm delighted for him. We've also got the best goalkeeper in this league, and when he performs like that we've got a chance. He's made big saves at special times."
Hamilton defender Reghan Tumilty: "That's the most Accies fans I've ever seen and they really spurred us on for the last 20 minutes there.
"It's a tight-knit group and it's one of the tightest squads I've been part of. We battled through adversity. I played three positions today. Boys have come off injured. We've done a job for each other and the fans today."
Hamilton players celebrate their victory in the dressing room