Raith Rovers 2-1 Hamilton

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Raith Rovers pulled off an upset after beating Premiership side Hamilton 2-1 to book their place in the Scottish League Cup third round.

The home side went ahead as early as the third minute through Iain Davidson before Accies levelled in the 66th minute when Christian Nade, a former Rovers player, found the net.

But Kyle Benedictus ensured it was a memorable night for Ray McKinnon's side after the defender headed in Ryan McCord's free-kick 10 minutes from time.

The home side could not have asked for a better start after Davidson, who spent three years away at Dundee, notched his first goal since returning to Stark's Park inside three minutes.

Hamilton failed to deal with Ryan McCord's corner and after referee Don Robertson waved away appeals for handball from the visitors, Davidson's deflected effort from inside the box nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Hamilton were fortunate not to lose a second goal just seconds later. Mark Stewart set Grant Anderson free but the winger's effort across goal was well saved by goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

Lewis Toshney then struck a half-volley wide at the back post after another McCord set-piece caused problems.

Hamilton offered little in the attacking third during the early exchanges although Kevin Cuthbert made a routine save to keep out a Ali Crawford drive from long distance.

Midfielder Crawford was then disappointed that he did not find the target in the 26th minute after heading Gramoz Kurtaj's cross wide from 10 yards.

Hamilton, who brought on Dougie Imrie for Louis Longridge at the break, made an assertive start to the second period and were unlucky not to level after 53 minutes.

Crawford's shot inside the box from Nade's lay-off was only partially blocked by Benedictus but goalkeeper Cuthbert did well to save the effort.

Cuthbert then pulled off a brilliant save to push Jesus Garcia Tena's free-kick over the bar but from the resulting corner, the visitors levelled in the 66th minute.

Crawford's delivery was headed goal-bound by Kurtaj and Nade flicked the ball in just in front of Cuthbert.

Hamilton seemed the more likely to claim a winner but Raith struck again in the 80th minute through Benedictus.

McCord again provided the assist as his free-kick was headed in by the centre-half.