Hamilton savoured a survival D-Day with Dougie and David edging them towards Premiership safety.

Accies heroes Dougie Imrie and David Templeton struck in the second period as Martin Canning’s men moved six points clear of victims Ross County in the basement.

Imrie netted the priceless opener 11 minutes after the restart from the spot when referee Bobby Madden adjudged that Marcus Fraser had pulled down Lewis Ferguson in the box at a corner kick and awarded a penalty.

Templeton then took a delightful pass from sub Danny Redmond to smash a second and strike a massive blow in the relegation battle.

Dougie Imrie scores from the penalty spot

Accies are close to maintaining their top-flight status, but County are still in huge trouble as management duo Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson suffered a dismal first day in full-time control of the squad.

3 TALKING POINTS

TURN UP THE TEMPS-RATURE

Templeton looks the one who can provide the cutting edge to get Accies over the safety line. While it was about brute force and combative nature in various other areas of the park, the former Hearts and Rangers man possesses those little pieces of individual skill and quality which can make all of the difference in the race for survival. His finish was lethal to cap a splendid show.

RED LETTER DAY

Once the graft was completed and some of the fire came out of the contest, Accies sub Danny Redmond brought real ability and composure to the table. The little playmaker started to get a foot on the ball and make passes. His delightful reverse pick got the move going for the second goal and he was the one who supplied Templeton later in the attack to finish the job. Classy touches amid the chaos.

HIGHLAND CLING

Ross County are now fighting with just their fingertips after a devastating loss in Lanarkshire. The Highlanders made the bold step of appointing Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson into the full-time management positions at the beginning of the week, but the players did not provide the pair with any bounce factor. Barring a couple of half-chances in the opening period and a late Alex Schalk chance, it was a long day and a longer road home.

poll loading

Will Ross County be relegated this season?

1000+ VOTES SO FAR