Hamilton Accies hero hopes Coleraine contributions help him kick on

Lewis Smith was delighted with his contribution to Hamilton’s hard-fought 3-1 win over Coleraine - and hopes it’s a turning point to kick on this season from a personal point of view.

The 23-year-old, who has primarily started on the bench this season for John Rankin’s side, scored one, assisted one and was involved in the other as Accies got their SPFL Trust Trophy title defence underway in Northern Ireland.

Smith’s 10th-minute opener was cancelled out by Lee Lynch midway through the first half as he fired low into the bottom corner.

But second half goals from Dario Zanatta and Jamie Barjonas deservedly sealed the League One sides spot in round two.

Smith said: :“It’s a great result for us away from home.

“I don’t think it was our best performance of the season and I think there were spells where they were on top, but we stuck together as a team and clinically took our chances when they came our way.

“From a personal point of view, it’s great, as I’ve not been in the team as much as I would’ve liked so far this season so hopefully, I can kick on from this as well.

“There is a real togetherness amongst the squad this season, and everyone gets on really well, that’s why it’s so hard to break into the team as they haven’t done anything wrong to be taken out of it.

“I’m just glad to get the opportunity today and thought I done well.

“It was a long journey for them (the fans), and we appreciate them taking the time out of their weekend and spending their money to come watch us.

“It was far from ideal with the travel arrangements as it messed them about which was unfortunate – but we are all delighted we got the win for them."

Accies go into Thursday's fourth round draw and Smith added: "“We spoke before the game about how