Hamilton boss John Rankin eyeing first win over Falkirk, as Accies excited by chance to topple league leaders

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin admits he faces a tough task to land his first-ever win over Falkirk as a manager.Rankin's side were second best to the Bairns in League One last season as John McGlynn's men had an invincible season on their way to the title, while Accies went up to the Championship through the play-offs.Now the sides meet for the first time in the second-tier with Falkirk top of the table and Accies, who are looking for their first league win over the Bairns since 2015, sitting seventh and 11 points off the pace.Rankin said of tonight's TV clash at New Douglas Park: "This time last year in League One we went away to Falkirk in a TV game and came away with a 0-0, with both teams evenly matched."But Falkirk gained a bit of momentum and we lost the next three after that."They were immaculate last season and that is a big compliment to them.

We couldn't match them, but it's Friday night under the lights with new players so it is one we are looking forward to."Hopefully we can put on a good performance and get that win over them.

We've seen it before when Celtic did it a few years ago, at some point that run stops."Falkirk have lost a league game now [to Raith Rovers last month], but I have been at their last two games against Livingston and Patrick and they've played really well in both games, they've just been unlucky to draw them."So I know how much quality they have and how difficult it will be."Falkirk are obviously top of the table and it is a challenge for us, but there is a bit of excitement about the game."Hamilton's cause could be boosted by the return of skipper Scott Martin after he missed last week's SPFL Trust Trophy defeat to Morton through injury.Rankin added: "Hopefully Scotty will be back.