Hamilton Accies boss tells strikers to rise to the challenge and win games

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin has told his players to stand up to the pressure of big crowds by scoring goals and winning games in the Championship.

Rankin has been left frustrated as points have been dropped in draws when Accies have taken the lead, and in other games where they’ve created several chances but lost, such as the 2-0 home defeat against Queen’s Park two weeks ago.

And he says if one player hits the back of the net, others will follow.

Rankin said: “I think that’s the story of the season so far, is it not, when you look at it?

“When you talk about us being the better team and not taking chances, I look at so many games this season and it has been the exact same.

“We can work on finishing as much as we can. We can put the floodlights on and be out there 24/7.

Rankin has no doubt about the quality of his forwards, but wants more goals from them (SNS Group)

“But at the end of the day it’s these high pressured moments when there’s a crowd in – you see it in World Cups when there’s penalty shoot-outs and different things – the pressure comes from a crowd and different things throughout the time.

“The strikers and forward players... I’m not concerned, and I said this after the Queen’s Park game. We’re creating chances, which is the most important thing.

“I know the quality of finishers that we have here in Andy Winter, Andy Ryan, Jean-Pierre Tiehi, Dario Zanatta, Lewis Smith – they can all add goals.

“It’s just one of them finding their shooting boots and it probably kicks the other one into play, and that’s what we’re looking for just now.

“We are creating chances; it’s just making sure that we get one to hit the back of the net and we defend at the other end.”

Rankin is looking for his side to show a reaction to the 2-0 defeat at home to Queen’s Park two weeks ago when they host Dundee.

Rankin says Accies have been working hard in training to prepare for their clash with Dundee (SNS Group)

He said: “We know Dundee have come down from the Premiership, and what they bring, and it’s a case of can we bounce back from the result that we had two weeks ago against Queen’s Park.

“There will be a good atmosphere in the ground. The players are looking forward to it, they always thrive in a good atmosphere and a busy ground.”

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