Hamilton boss Martin Caning pleased with cup progress but focused on league

Hamilton boss Martin Canning has praised his side after a 2-1 win over Livingston secured a last-16 spot in the Betfred Cup, but then quickly turned his attention to next weekend's Scottish Premiership opener at Rangers.

Louis Longridge's goal 10 minutes into the second half won it for Accies, who had gone ahead midway through the first period through Alex D'Acol only to be pegged back by Remi Matthews' own goal.

The result saw Canning's men pip St Mirren and Ayr United on goal difference, but Livingston made them work for their victory.

Caning said: ''After losing the first game at Ayr, to go and win the three other games and finish top of the group is great. We're just happy to qualify. However, now we just need to forget about it and focus on the league. It's a difficult start for us against Rangers at Ibrox, but it is what it is, and every team in the league is strong, so we need to make sure we're organised and prepare properly, and we'll try to get something from the game. We played well in the first half. Second half was a bit scrappier, but credit to Livingston, who were very well organised.''

Livingston boss David Hopkin was disappointed with the outcome, but says the season starts on Saturday when his side host Stranraer in their League One opener.

He said ''I don't think we deserved to lose the game. We controlled most of it, and we were done again by a strike from 25 yards, and not picking up from a set-play, but I think we played really, really well. We passed the ball well, created chances, and on another day we could have at least drawn. When you're through one on one with the goalkeeper you have to score. I thought we created some very good chances and the season starts on Saturday with a very difficult game against Stranraer.''