Hamilton Accies boss admits Stranraer cup clash is 'must-win'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin admits his side’s clash at Stranraer on Saturday is already a ‘must-win’ for them to stay in the Premier Sports Cup.In their Group H opener on Tuesday, Accies were held to a 0-0 draw by League Two side Stirling Albion, who then won the penalty shoot out 4-2 to take the extra point.That leaves Rankin’s new-look side needing to take full points from Stair Park on Saturday, when Premiership side Ross County visit on Tuesday, and in their final group game at Raith Rovers on July 27.“We’ve got to win the games now,” said Rankin. “I think last year we went out on goal-difference, and we lost one on penalties.“We can’t afford to lose any more and need to go on Saturday and try to win the game down at Stranraer, which is a difficult place to go.“But we will be ready for it, and ready to go again.

We’ve got to keep going.”Rankin was disappointed with the draw on Tuesday, which leaves Accies with just a point, albeit with the three games remaining.He said: “It’s not the start we wanted, let’s be honest.

We wanted to win here at home.“We had lots of possession, lots of the ball, didn’t do anything with it, and I think the goalkeeper has had one save to make.“I think we had 29 crosses into the box, so ultimately we’re disappointed not to win the game.“The positive we can take is a clean sheet, but is it really a positive when you lose on penalties?

No. It’s a disappointing night, and we need to get ourselves ready to go again on Saturday.“Not creating clear-cut chances was the most disappointing thing.