Reid stunned by Accies exit

Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by PA

Hamilton manager Billy Reid was shell-shocked after his side were outplayed by Ross County in their 2-1 defeat in the Co-Operative Insurance Cup at Victoria Park.

Man of the match Paul di Giacomo gave County the lead just after the half-hour mark and Richard Brittain doubled their advantage early in the second half with a superb finish. Simon Mensing grabbed a consolation for Accies in injury time but the SPL club were a well beaten side.

Reid said: "Ross County were the best side, the 2-1 scoreline flattered us.

"I thought they were excellent. It was one of the worst performances I've had as a manager in seven years - I'm shell-shocked.

"Right from the start of the game we had nothing about us. We didn't compete, we weren't winning any headers, everything was wrong.

"We have a lot of work to do, I think that was noticeable.

"It's not the standards we accept at this club. The players have been told that and at the end of the day I sign these players and I take responsibility as well. It's not just about the players. We'll have a good look at ourselves and we have to improve."

Reid added: "It's been well documented how hard a time it's been. At the start of the season we had eight of our team missing.

"Two went to the Premiership and there have been injuries and suspensions so it's been a traumatic time for us and a transitional period but that was not an excuse for what happened."

A delighted Ross County boss Derek Adams said: "To play against SPL opposition the way we did was very pleasing. I thought we passed the ball well and the shape of the team was good.

"The team had to go out and prove to themselves they were capable of playing against Hamilton. They changed their shape a number of times to try and combat us but I just thought on the night we had 11 great performances out there and the substitutes as well."

Asked what team he would like to get in the next round, Adams said: "I would take going away to one of the bigger teams - I don't really mind who it is."