Hamilton 1 Alloa 2: Wasps sting Accies to inflict third straight defeat on Rankin's side

Hamilton Accies made it three straight defeats in League One after they were stung by the Wasps at New Douglas Park.

In the battle between second and third in the division, it was Alloa who came out on top after Kurtis Roberts' thumping opener in 58 minutes and a late Jon Robertson header either side of a Euan Henderson header for the hosts did the damage.

Boss John Rankin was once again booed off the pitch by some home fans amid familiar cries of 'Rankin Out'.

Off the back of defeats to lowly Annan and runaway leaders Falkirk, it is another disappointing result for Accies who have won just once in their last six home games.

With the title looking well out of reach, John Rankin will hope to see performances pick up as they look to cement a play-off spot and they now sit they just seven points clear of the Wasps and 11 ahead of fourth place Cove Rangers.

Leaders Falkirk are a whopping 17 points clear, having trailed Accies in December.

Accies made three changes from last week's defeat to Falkirk as goalkeeper Jamie Smith, Marley Redfern and Jamie Barjonas dropped out and in came Dean Lyness in goal for his debut, along with Lewis Smith and Ben Williamson in midfield.

The hosts got the first fight of goal in seven minutes when Lewis Smith whipped in a free-kick from the left and Dylan McGowan headed just over in the centre of the box.

Ethan Sutherland’s snatch shot up the other end was comfortably collected by Lyness moments later, as both sides enjoyed a bright start.

Accies were forced into an early change after Kyle MacDonald suffered a nasty head knock in a collision with Alloa defender and ex-Accies Miko Virtanen.

The game was halted for six minutes as MacDonald received treatment on the pitch and a concussion substitute