Kevin O'Hara scores for Hamilton Academical against Inverness Caledonian ThistleImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Kevin O'Hara (right) scored Hamilton's early opener in the Highlands

Hamilton Academical have sealed a return to the Scottish Championship by beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle 5-3 on aggregate and sending the Highlanders to League 1.

Accies led the play-off final 2-1 following Wednesday's first leg in Hamilton and scored twice in the opening 12 minutes against Duncan Ferguson's side.

Kevin O'Hara struck from outside the box and Lewis Smith quickly netted Hamilton's second from inside the area.

The hosts replied through Cammy Kerr's low, long-range effort just after the half-hour mark but O'Hara netted Accies' third with a penalty before half-time, Remi Savage having fouled Euan Henderson.

Inverness pulled a late goal back through Alex Samuel but could not get level and will feature in the third tier of the Scottish senior leagues for the first time in 25 years.

John Rankin leads Hamilton back to the Championship at the first attempt following their relegation via the play-offs last year.