MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 23:45:34| >> :600:491247:491247:
[monks data]
Hamilton logo
Scottish Premiership Playoffs | Semi-Finals
May 18, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Falkirk

1-0

Andreu (15')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Hamilton Academical edge nearer to top-flight return

Hamilton Academical move a step closer to winning promotion back into the Scottish Premiership after beating Falkirk 1-0 in the playoff semi-final.

Hamilton Academical have moved a step closer to winning promotion back into the Scottish Premiership after beating Falkirk 1-0 in the playoff semi-final today.

The tie was delicately poised at 1-1 heading into the second leg at New Douglas Park following Tuesday's stalemate.

However, Anthony Andreu's first-half goal proved enough for the Accies to win the tie as Alex Neil's side now face another two-legged affair with Hibernian, who finished second from bottom in the SPL.

The hosts took a big step toward ending their three-year absence from Scotland's top flight after 15 minutes. Jason Scotland skipped past David McCracken before squaring to the unmarked Andreu, who tapped home from close range.

Goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert was forced into two smart saves later in the half to preserve the advantage, as Mark Beck and Blair Alston were both thwarted by the shot-stopper.

Falkirk continued to threaten after the break and were unfortunate not to draw level in the tie as top goalscorer Rory Loy saw his would-be equaliser cleared off the line early in the half.

It was one of those days for Cuthbert, who looked unbeatable between the sticks as the 31-year-old produced more heroics to keep out Will Vaulks and Conor McGrandles.

Hamilton finished the encounter in the ascendancy and should have put the result beyond doubt but Michael McGovern did well to keep out Andy Ryan's goal-bound effort.

The miss was academic, though, as Hamilton held out to book a tie with Hibernian and move nearer to securing a first top-flight return since 2011.

ID:155721: cacheID:155721:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3619:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manager of Falkirk Gary Holt looks on during The William Hill Scottish Cup Semi Final between Falkirk and Hibernian at Hampden Park on April 13, 2013
Read Next:
Falkirk draw first leg against Hamilton
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!