Hamilton Accies 4 - 1 Dumbarton: Hamilton to top

HAMILTON went top of the table with this easy win against a Dumbarton side who, on this evidence, could face another long, hard season.

The score in no way flattered the hosts though they should have been trailing early on when Mark Gilhaney’s pass released Kevin Smith, but home keeper Kevin Cuthbert was alert to the danger and produced a crucial save.

Instead, the opener came at the other end when referee Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot following Aaron Barry’s clumsy tackle on Grant Gillespie, James Keatings squeezing the spot kick in at the left-hand post.

Keatings doubled Hamilton’s lead just two minutes later when Jon McShane’s cross found him unmarked at the back post and the little striker swept the ball home.

The visitors were awarded the softest of penalties midway through the second half – apparently for hand-ball against Martin Canning, who was booked. Scott Agnew made an expert job from the spot but Dumbarton’s joy was short-lived as Gillespie popped up at the opposite end to bundle home the clincher.

Home substitute Tony Andreu added the best of the lot with a fine solo effort.