Hamilton 0, Arbroath 1: Arbroath end Accies' play-off hopes with vital win

Hamilton Accies' slim play-off hopes evaporated as title-chasing Arbroath ran out 1-0 winners at New Douglas Park.

Though the Red Lichties still trail Kilmarnock by four points at the top of the Championship table, Jack Hamilton's winner will give them hope.

Hamilton, meanwhile, will be left to battle it out for a mid-table slot in their remaining three games.

Ahead of the game, Accies were looking to catch Partick Thistle in fourth, who went 10 points ahead of them with last night's 1-0 win over Queen of the South but needed to win all of their remaining games.

The first half looked promising enough, with both sides looking like they were playing with the shackles off, which made for an open, entertaining game.

But Accies will ultimately be left to rue missed opportunities, while Arbroath came out swinging in the second half.

Hamilton head coach Stuart Taylor made one changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Ayr last Friday, with Josh Mullin in for captain Brian Easton. Striker Andy Ryan took the armband.

There was a boost for Accies when back-up keeper Joe Hilton, on loan from Blackburn Rovers, was able to take his place on the bench again, following injury.

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell kept faith with the same team team which drew 0-0 with Partick Thistle last time out.

Hamilton started well when the game got underway and within two minutes Arbroath were forced to clear a Mihai Popescui cross from lurking David Moyo, but the corner came to nothing.

Josh Mullin's free kick from the left in three minutes was glanced just past the far post by Moyo.

Accies were nearly the architects of their own downfall in five minutes when Jamie Hamilton was caught dithering on the right, and Arbroath eventually got the ball to Jack