Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin hopes stars Dario Zanatta and Reegan Mimnaugh getting off the mark in their cup win over Rangers B can be the catalyst for his side to kick on in the league.
Accies ousted the young Gers from the SPFL Trust Trophy on Tuesday night with Zanatta bagging a double to claim his first goals for the club since his arrival in the summer, while Mimnaugh marked his first start on his return from injury with a penalty in the 3-0 win.
That booked a fourth round tie with Inverness next month, but Rankin hopes his stars breaking their duck – and a rare clean sheet for the squad – will instil confidence ahead of Friday night’s home clash with leaders Ayr United in the Championship.
Rankin, whose side are bottom of the table, said: “I’m delighted for Dario and Reegan. It helps the whole team as well and to keep a clean sheet at the other end as well is really pleasing.
“Dario has great ability. It’s about him finding his confidence. He’s come to a new club, trying to impress and he’s maybe tried too hard at times.
“Things haven’t fallen for him and he’s hit the post a couple of times, but he takes his first goal really well and he is so composed for his second one so I’m delighted for him. Hopefully that gives him the belief and it will certainly help him.
“Reegan’s ability is never in question. You look at the way he trains every day, he’s great. He just needs to get consistency when he plays.
“The player I see in training can do anything with a ball but on a Saturday he needs to get those levels he finds in training.
“On Tuesday he dominated the game, he was good on and off the ball, he dragged people with him, so I’m pleased for him to get his goal He tucked the penalty away nicely, really composed.
“Ryan One was great through the middle as well, leading the line really well at 16 years old.
“So it was a good night and good for our confidence, but we need to build on this.”
Accies are hoping for just their third win in what will be 15 games when Ayr come calling
And Rankin said: “This league can swing different ways at different times so we know it will be another tough game.
“There’s not a lot of time for us to turnaround. It’s obviously going to be a Tuesday game, recover Wednesday, train Thursday, go through the formation then go again Friday
"There's a good few from Saturday nursing knocks that we couldn't play on Tuesday night and a change in the surface plays a part as well.
"We were moving things about to try and get a team on the pitch to compete.
"I'm just pleased that we managed to get through Tuesday without any extra knocks and we'll be ready to go again on Friday.
"I felt the player's attitude was great and there was nine changes.
"There is competition for places and that is what we are striving for. People getting opportunities in the team and taking it so it makes Friday that wee bit more interesting now."
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