Hamilton Accies won't 'throw a party' after thumping win over Stranraer

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin says they won’t “throw a party” just because they scored five goals against Stranraer.

And the former Dundee United and Hibs midfielder knows they need to make signings to boost the squad.

Rankin watched as his side thumped League Two Stranraer 5-2 in the Premier Sports Cup on Tuesday, following up Saturday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat in Dundee.

Strikes by Andy Winter and Andy Ryan and a Matty Shiels double saw Accies score four times in six minutes early in the second half, with Lewis Smith adding a fifth either side of two Paul Woods penalties.

While Rankin was pleased with what he saw in that second half, he knows there’s hard work to do as they prepare for a visit to Forfar Athletic on Saturday.

He said: “The two games are totally contrasting.

“Saturday was hugely disappointing, as we wanted more energy, more aggression and more activity in the final third.

“On Tuesday I felt we had that. In the second-half performance, for those six minutes, I thought there was a real desire, a hunger to go and put right what wasn’t quite on-cue in the first half.

“But that’s not to say we’re going to rest on our laurels, and we’re quite happy.

Rankin was disappointed with Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Dundee, but pleased with their performance on Tuesday (SNS Group)

“It’s tournament football, there’s no point in feeling sorry for ourselves if we lose.

“There’s no point in feeling as if we’re going to throw a party because we’ve won one game.

“We need to be ready to go and play against Forfar on Saturday, and we will be.”

Rankin has brought in midfielder Jonny Ngunda and defender Michael Doyle, and says he knows more reinforcements are needed.

He said: “I know we still need bodies, people in to help and to push those who are holding the jerseys just now.

“If we can create that environment as well as blending kids into the group then great, it’s only good for the club, moving forward.

“We’ve got a small squad, the boys will need to recover, and be recovered well, and be ready to go again on Saturday.”

Accies follow up Saturday’s trip to Forfar with a clash at home to Queen’s Park on July 23, a week before the league season starts.

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