Jim McIntyre admits Ross County struck lucky as Hamilton rue loss to 10 men

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre admitted his side rode their luck in a 2-1 win over Hamilton at the Global Energy Stadium.

County played for almost all the second half with 10 men after Jamie Reckord was sent off in the 47th minute for a professional foul on Dougie Imrie.

The home side led the Premiership match 1-0 at half-time thanks to Alex Schalk's goal moments before the break, but when Imrie levelled midway through the second half it appeared Hamilton were the likelier team to take the win.

However, the 10 men stuck to their task and defended stoutly before they got a rare sight of goal in a breakaway move which resulted in a free-kick in the 78th minute, when Ali Crawford was adjudged to have fouled Andrew Davies. Ian McShane stepped up to beat Michael McGovern with a fine strike.

Hamilton tried their best to rescue a point but County held on for all three points, which keeps them in fourth spot in the table.

Ross boss Jim McIntyre said: With the condition of the pitch and the weather today it was never going to be pretty. We knew scoring the first goal was going to be vital. We managed to do that at a good time, going in 1-0 at the break without either team creating much.''

McIntyre acknowledged his side were on the ropes after Hamilton drew level.

He said: From there on in, we had to hang in there. We had the goalkeeper making good saves, blocks on the line, some heroic defending - and a wee bit of luck at times as well.

We knew chances would be at a premium and it was a free-kick good enough to win, and grace, any game. We knew the seven league games coming up were going to be huge - and they will determine how successful we are this season. For me, it was vitally important we won today's match.''

Hamilton player-manger Martin Canning felt his side deserved to win the match.

He said: I don't think 2-1 tells the story. We should have won the game.

In the second half, we were excellent. I can't fault the players in any way.

You walk in and see the heads are down, and rightly so, but you've got to try and pick them up because it was very harsh on them.''

He added: We've created numerous opportunities and, worst of all, I've seen it back and the free-kick they won for the second goal isn't a free-kick. That makes it even worse.

Ali came in from the side, touched the ball and he (Davies) has gone down. It's not a free-kick.''

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