Hamilton assistant provides Stuart Taylor update after Accies boss misses Raith Rovers draw

Hamilton assistant manager John Rankin says head coach Stuart Taylor had total control of the team against Raith Rovers - despite being stuck at home.

The Accies boss was forced into isolation because of Covid prior to his side's 0-0 Championship at Stark's Park.

David Moyo missed a big chance in the first half and Mihai Popescu was left to rue a similar chance in the second 45. Taylor's team are sixth in the league.

Rankin was left to be the main man in the dugout for Hamilton, the first time it has happened for him at senior level after joining Hamilton as assistant from Hearts' youth academy last year.

The former midfielder says Taylor was in constant communication with him throughout the game: "I had contact with the manager all day. I was able to communicate with him.

"His feed was slightly delayed from what we were seeing but I had constant communication. He was talking to us about who was coming on and how to change the game.

"The manager was in full control and he knew exactly what was happening. It's the modern world at the minute, we just have to deal with it. I enjoyed the game.

"It was no different for me. There was no disruption. The plans were already in place and the team was picked. We knew what we were doing."

Rankin said Raith rarely created any chances to trouble Accies but there were spells where they dominated.

It's why a clean sheet in windy weather pleased him: "Considering the conditions, I thought it was a good game. I thought both teams tried to play. I am delighted with the clean sheet as we know Raith can score.

"The team worked really hard to make sure we didn't concede a goal. They had spells Raith where they dominated but overall I don't think our goalkeeper, Joe Hilton, had a save to