Summary

  • FT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Academical

  • Former Raith defender Tumilty crashes in winner for Accies, who had O'Reilly sent off for dangerous challenge

  1. Hamilton Accies are the Champions!published at 18:37 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    FT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Hamilton Academical are the winners of the 2023 SPFL Trust Trophy.

    Reghan Tumilty is the goalscorer, Ryan Fulton is the hero at the other end. That's not to mention skipper Dylan McGowan and manager John Rankin, who played their part too.

    A historic afternoon for the Accies, the first time they've won this tournament since 1992. Their fans will just hope it provides the boost they need to get themselves off the bottom of the Championship table.

    We'll leave you with some celebration scenes.

    Goodnight!

    Hamilton Accies lift the SPFL Trust TrophyImage source, SNS
    Goalscorer Reghan Tumilty with man of the match Ryan FultonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Goalscorer Reghan Tumilty with man of the match Ryan Fulton

    The Accies bench - John Rankin, George Cairns, Matthew Shiels and Andy Winter - celebrate at full-timeImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    The Accies bench - John Rankin, George Cairns, Matthew Shiels and Andy Winter - celebrate at full-time

  2. McGowan wants eighth place finishpublished at 18:31 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    FT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Hamilton Accies skipper Dylan McGowan tells Sportsound: "Game plans go out the window. We had two or three injuries in the first half. If you tried to draw a more unlucky start, you'd struggle.

    "On a personal level I love defending and I want to win that way. I'm delighted for the fans we brought with us.

    "A big part of coming to the club was the position they were in - every game means something. I wanted to come here and try help save them from relegation. The cup win is a bonus.

    "Hopefully this gives us a heap of confidence. Hopefully we can repay the fans and finish the eighth."

  3. Rankin 'so proud' of playerspublished at 18:27 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    FT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin tells Sportsound: "See when we lift that trophy, I'll believe it's happened because everything went against us today. We went down to 10 men, having to make two subs in the first half, another at half time.

    "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.

    "I'm so proud of the players today. They deserve everything they get. I'm over the moon. I couldn't do it without my backroom team.

    John Rankin celebratesImage source, SNS
  4. Tumilty wants Cup win to propel Accies in leaguepublished at 18:23 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    FT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Goalscorer Reghan Tumilty tells Sportsound: "To do it twice in a row is brilliant. 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.

    [On his goal] "It's one of those you see on telly and think - why doesn't that ever fall to me? It was about time that happened.

    "Hopefully it can propel us up the league. We're probably underachieving. If we can start battling like that in the last 8 or 9 games it'll be great."

  5. FULL-TIME Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Acciespublished at 18:16 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    They've done it! 10 man Accies have held on for another famous day in the club's history!

    They may be bottom of the Championship, but that won't matter tonight. Raith Rovers threw absolutely everything at them in the second half, but an inspired Ryan Fulton performance has given them the trophy.

    That was after centre-back Dan O'Reilly's red card, just before the hour mark. The Irishman was sent off for clotheslining Sam Stanton.

    Reghan Tumilty gave them the lead in the first half, scoring against his former club when he lashed in from eight yards out.

    That second half was exhausting. We'll have more reaction soon.

    Tumilty celebratesImage source, SNS
  6. Postpublished at 90+2 mins

    Raith Rovers 1-0 Hamilton Accies

    John Rankin in geeing up the fans behind him - Hamilton Accies need that extra man if they're going to hang on.

    They only have two minutes left. Jamie MacDonald is up from the back for a free-kick... but the flag is up!

    It's all happening!

  7. Postpublished at 87 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    A big penalty shout... Lewis Vaughan goes down in the box but immediately Colin Steven points for a free-kick the other way.

    On second viewing, it looks like he's tripped himself. It's a good decision.

    Not long left for Rovers to find something.

  8. GREAT SAVE!published at 81 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    This is getting ridiculous!

    Lewis Vaughan and Dylan McGowan wrestled for the ball. Eventually it broke to Vaughan about three yards out and Ryan Fulton threw himself in front of it.

    How has he managed to keep his sheet clean!?

  9. GREAT SAVE!published at 79 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Ryan Fulton produces again!

    Raith swing another cross in, Scott Brown glanced at goal from a yard out and Fulton showed excellent reflexes to tip over the bar.

    This is incredible resilience from the Accies back line. They're getting battered but they're still standing.

  10. GREAT SAVE!published at 70 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Sam Stanton produces a terrific save from Ryan Fulton as he lashes at goal from inside the box, but somehow the former Liverpool keeper tips over the bar.

    If Accies hold onto this, it'll be nothing short of miraculous.

  11. The Life of O'Reillypublished at 69 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Dan O'Reilly appears exasperated as he sent off for a reckless challenge on Sam StantonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Dan O'Reilly appears exasperated as he sent off for a reckless challenge on Sam Stanton

  12. Postpublished at 67 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Ryan Fulton spills a cross from the right, Sam Stanton stabs towards goal but Brian Easton clears away.

    John Rankin must have no fingernails left. His side are hanging on to this lead desperately.

  13. Postpublished at 63 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Raith aren't just knocking the door, they're almost hammering it down. But still, Hamilton's rearguard somehow holds firm.

    Sam Stanton is keeping the tempo high and surely it's a matter of time before the pressure pays. Having Aidan Connolly on won't hurt, either.

  14. RED CARD - Dan O'Reilly (Hamilton Accies)published at 56 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Oh dear me.

    Dan O'Reilly has clotheslined Sam Stanton, shoving his arm into the face of the on-rushing Raith midfielder. It's silly, it's stupid but is it a red? The clip will be available shortly.

    Brian Easton is on immediately in Accies final change. Lewis Smith is the man sacrificed.

  15. Postpublished at 54 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    It's been all Raith in this second half as they press for an equaliser. Sam Stanton crossed low but Isma Goncalves couldn't push it goalwords.

    Moments later, the ball breaks to Stanton in the box. He swivels and forces a good save from Ryan Fulton. It won't be his last this half.

    Raith then make a change. Isma Goncalves is off and star man Aidan Connolly is on.

  16. Postpublished at 50 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Derek Ferguson
    Former Hamilton Accies midfielder on Sportsound

    That missed cross was the story of the afternoon for Raith. They're far better than what they've shown so far. Far better.

  17. KICK-OFFpublished at 45 mins

    Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Matthew Shiels has not returned for the second half, with Dario Zanatta taking his spot.

    Another reshuffle no doubt for Rankin.

  18. Fergie's half-time team talk...published at 17:24 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    HT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Derek Ferguson
    Former Hamilton Accies midfielder on Sportsound

    Just go for it... let us see what you're all about!

  19. Postpublished at 17:21 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    HT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Craig Levein
    Former Hearts manager on BBC Sportsound

    There has been little sign of light, I'm finding it very difficult to find something positive to say.

  20. Enjoy that one?published at 17:15 British Summer Time 26 March 2023

    HT: Raith Rovers 0-1 Hamilton Accies

    Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin celebrates his side going aheadImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin celebrates his side going ahead