Hamilton 1, Cove Rangers 0: Accies bag crucial win against 10-man Cove

Hamilton Accies got their League One campaign off to a great start with a home win, even if their goal was scored by 10-man Cove Rangers.

Josh Kerr's first-half own-goal was enough to keep the three points in South Lanarkshire, as he turned in Dylan Tait's cross.

Hamilton's task was made easier with 10 minutes to go as Paul McGowan was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident.

It was a lead Accies probably just about deserved for their overall play, but Cove had the ball in the net in the first half through Paul McGowan, only to fall foul of an offside flag.

The second half was a much more prosaic affair, with few chances of note at either end.

Accies boss John Rankin made one change to the side that lost out on penalties against the same opponents here in the Viaplay Cup last week, with captain Scott Martin replacing Ryan One, having been suspended last weekend.

New signing, defender Josh O'Brien, 20, was on the bench, alongside Mikey Hewitt.

Paul Hartley, having steered Cove to their best-ever Viaplay Cup finish with that penalties win, made .two changes to his line-up, with goalkeeper Balint Demus in for Nick Suman, and Tyler Mykyta in for Kyle Connell.

Hamilton attacked from the start, but without creating anything clear cut.

Kevin O'Hara had the first real chance in 13 minutes when he was sent clear on the left, but Demus saved well at the near post.

Cove had a good chance in 16 minutes when strong play took Dayshonne Golding through on the left and he eventually found Paul McGowan, but his shot was well blocked.

At the other end moments later, Dylan Tait had a fierce shot well saved in 16 minutes

McGowan played a nice ball to Mark Gallagher in 31 minutes that would have released him, but for a