Hamilton v Falkirk: Accies boss calls for cool heads in heat of League One top-of-the-table clash

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin has called on his players to keep cool heads in the heat of battle with Falkirk ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the table clash.

The top two in League One go head-to-head at New Douglas Park with Accies sitting top on goal difference, having played a game more than John McGlynn’s Bairns.

Accies were two points clear until Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Alloa allowed Falkirk to close the gap ahead of the crunch clash.

It was a goalless stalemate the last time the sides met at the Falkirk Stadium and Rankin says the key to success this time around will be keeping calm and not letting the occasion get to them.

He said: “It is going to be a good game and we are really looking forward to it.

“Everybody keeps saying it is a huge game but it is the same as every game – there are three points at stake.

“There will be a bigger crowd than we’ve had this season and the players are looking forward to it, there’s been a buzz around the place.

“It is a game with two teams who have started the campaign really well.

“The last time the two teams came together it was very tight, it was quite nervy, so I would expect another tight battle on Saturday.

“Players have to put their body on the line but it is also about maintaining your discipline.

“If you get caught up in the game and what people are saying about it, that can affect you.

“It might be your rivals you are playing against, but it is about keeping a cool head and remaining calm within it, rather than getting caught up in the atmosphere or what is going on around us.

“Last time there wasn’t much going on in the game, with both teams cancelling each other out.

“So it becomes a case of concentration becoming the big thing.

“Come Saturday they need to be tuned in