Hamilton Accies maintained their 100 per cent start to the League One season after cruising to a 4-0 derby win over Airdrieonians. But there were issues for home fans ahead of kick-off with many unable to get into New Douglas Park in time for kick-off.
Access issues mar derby day
Kyle MacDonald's 13th minute opener may have come too soon for some fans who had complained on social media of issues for season ticket holders accessing their home ground, which they have returned to after a controversial season playing at Braodwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.
One fan, Neil Graham, posted on X that he was still queuing to get into the ground at 3.07pm, claiming 'gates 1, 2 and 3 were closed'. He also commented in a separate post that the situation was 'shambolic'.
Comfortable win on the park
However, those in the ground were treated to a comfortable win for their side as they moved two points clear of nearest challengers and Lanarkshire rivals East Kilbride.
After MacDonald opened the scoring with a deflected strike, the midfielder then chipped in with a stunning lob four minutes into the second half. Kai Smutek got in on the act after 81 minutes to put the result beyond doubt and then MacDonald sealed his hat-trick in the 90th minute from the penalty spot after Cammy Blues was brought down in the box.
Disappointing return for Rankin
It marked a disappointing return to Hamilton for ex-Accies boss John Rankin, who saw his former assistant Darian MacKinnon take the derby dragging rights. The Diamonds are still searching for their first league win under their new gaffer with two draws and a defeat to start the campaign. They sit seventh in the table.
Elsewhere in League One, East Kilbride stayed in touching distance after a 3-0 win over Cove Rangers.
