Hamilton start Scottish League One campaign with win over Cove Rangers

Posted Sunday, August 06, 2023 by PA

Cove Rangers started life in Scottish League One on a losing note as Hamilton put their disappointment at missing out on promotion last season behind them with a 1-0 victory at the ZLX Stadium.

Hamilton’s shootout defeat to Airdrie in May condemned the Accies to at least one more campaign in the third tier, with the Toonsers dropping down after finishing last in the Championship last term.

It was Hamilton who won this season-opener, with the decisive moment coming in the 35th minute when Josh Kerr turned into his own net from Jamie Barjonas’ teasing low ball into the area.

The visitors’ defeat was compounded by Paul McGowan seeing red eight minutes from time.

Cammy Clark’s 69th-minute free-kick from 25 yards helped promoted Stirling get their season under way with a 1-0 victory over Edinburgh City.

However, Annan Athletic, who joined Stirling in League One, began their season with a humbling 3-0 defeat at Falkirk.

The Bairns took the lead in the 58th minute through Ross MacIver’s header while Callumn Morrison’s thunderbolt from distance doubled their advantage five minutes later.

Substitute Aidan Nesbitt netted on the rebound after another Morrison strike was saved to seal a commanding win for Falkirk.

Alloa got the better of a 4-3 thriller at Queen of South.

David McKay cancelled out Kieran McKechnie’s opener then Alloa stormed ahead through Bradley Rodden and Conor Sammon before the half hour.

While Gavin Reilly’s penalty pulled one back, Alloa led 4-2 at the interval through Rodden.

Reilly’s second successful spot-kick six minutes from time set up a dramatic finale but Alloa held on.

Second-half goals from Lewis Moore and substitute Botti Biabi gave Kelty Hearts a 2-0 win at Montrose.

Promoted Spartans battled back a goal down to claim a 1-1 Scottish League Two draw at home to Clyde.

Martin Rennie headed in midway through the first half for Clyde, who were relegated last season, but Jamie Dishington’s strike in the 69th minute ensured the spoils were shared.

Jack Brown’s close-range strike and Conor O’Keefe’s second-half double helped Peterhead to a 3-0 win at East Fife.

Ryan Blair struck early on for Dumbarton but they had to be content with a 1-1 draw at Bonnyrigg Rose as Luke Mahady scored nine minutes from time.

James Dolan headed home midway through the first half as Stranraer edged to a 1-0 win at Elgin – who avoided the drop last season by a point – while Stenhousemuir were held to a 0-0 draw by Forfar.