Hamilton boss confident of turnaround as Alloa threaten their Championship survival

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin is confident his side can overcome a 1-0 deficit after falling to defeat at part-time Alloa.

Luke Donnelly climbed off the bench to net the only goal of the game in first half stoppage time for Brian Rice's side.

He came on for defender Adam King, who collapsed off the ball and needed treatment on the field for five minutes before being stretchered off.

Donnelly's goal leaves the Championship side clinging on to their second-teir status, but Rankin believes with some better finishing at New Douglas Park on Saturday, they can turn the tie around to set up a likely final with Airdrie, who thumped Falkirk 6-2.

Rankin said: "I thought we started the game well on the front foot, albeit it we never made the goalkeeper work.

“And after that the game died down and Alloa became dominant. They had balls going into the box that we had to defend and defended really well.

“The goal is a moment we don’t react to. We got caught on our heels. We make the wrong decision and then get caught on the counter.

“We hit the bar after that and made chances but never forced the goalkeeper into a good save. We were missing that final bit and we have to improve for Saturday.

“But I’m still confident. We are 1-0 down. You look at the other result tonight it’s 6-2.

“It’s only half-time and we are still in the tie for the second leg."

During the incident with King, Rankin immediately screamed for medical assistance as a concern silence filled the Indordrill.

And he said: “There’s a moment in the game where you have to put football into perspective.

“I lifted my head and there’s a guy lying face down on their edge of the 18-yard box. I just hope the guy is well. That’s my first thought.

“After that it took a while for