A SPARKLING Paul McGowan debut performance pulled Accies into the last 16, after a soupçon of luck helped them bypass Ross County.
A sticky pitch didn't make for a conducive playing conditions and early on in the game both sides struggled to get
to grips with the surface. County's Steven Watt conceded a free-kick on 13 minutes, although the defender made amends by flicking Brian Easton's 20 yard effort out for corner.
The former Chelsea player was also first to the resultant cross.
Watt's exuberance didn't go unnoticed by referee Crawford Allan and he was the first in a flurry of bookings.
Moments after, Richard Offiong beat the offside trap to spring clear down the right, his cross found James McCarthy but his 12 yard shot was blocked by Mark McCulloch and flew over the bar.
However, the resultant corner brought about the opener for Accies on 22 minutes. A simple cross on the left from Paul McGowan picked out Chris Swailes who nodded in at the near post – in celebrating the goal the veteran was booked for his troubles.
There was controversy on the half hour as Hamilton keeper Tomas Cerny appeared to handle outsider his area. Dropping the ball on the edge of the box, County striker Steven Craig looked to add to score, but Cerny when he recovered the situation was clearly outside of the 18-yarder – though neither Crawford Allan or his officials saw it, an apoplectic Derek Adams on the County touchline did, much to his frustration.
On half time Accies narrowly missed out on the chance for a second. Midway inside the County half McArthur saw his free kick from the left headed back out. It fell kindly for McGowan and spying County 'keeper Soutar off his line, the youngster on loan from Celtic saw his 18 yard chip bounce the bar.
After the re-start, County looked a bit more enthusiastic – Scott Morrison with a shot saved at the left post after good work initially by Strachan.
However, Hamilton weren't really threatened, and just before the hour mark Steven Watt – having already been booked – conceded a foul 20 yards from goal. Brian Easton's curling left foot effort just wide of the top right corner.
Dyron Daal was introduced, but his first contribution was to deliver a wayward header to Easton. His cross found Martin Canning eight yards from goal but Soutar got down well to save.
County never mustered clear chances but at times provided the danger for Hamilton by dribbling out of their own 18 yard box. The game ended on a low note for the home side as captain James McArthur received his second booking.
Hamilton were delighted to hear the final whistle, their resurgent spell continuing towards Saturday's return to domestic business and adding fresh impetus to the challenge against bottom-club Inverness.
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