Partick Thistle 0 Hamilton 1: Accies boss hails impact of new signings after vital victory

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton boss John Rankin hailed the impact of his new signings after they helped deliver a vital victory over Partick Thistle.Newcastle loanee Dylan Stephenson netted the only goal of the game nine minutes after climbing off the bench at the start of the second half, while Rankin was also impressed by the display from Hearts loanee Connor Smith as he made his debut just hour after completing his switch.After a poor first half by his own admission, Rankin made a triple change at the break with Stephenson and Smith joined by Dario Zanatta in replacing Lewis Smith, Andy Winter and Fergus Owens.And Rankin admitted that was the turning point as they stayed within four points of Arbroath at the bottom of the Championship table, with a game in hand.He told Lanarkshire Live Sport: "The changes at half-time helped."Dylan came on and did what we've seen footage of him doing.

He affected the game very well and he brought out the best in John Pierre Tiehi, as did Connor Smith and Dario Zanatta by getting near him."That influenced the second half and we were much more of a threat because we weren't at all in the second half."I was delighted with Dylan and also Connor.

I know what Connor brings. I know the enthusiasm he has for the game - he just wants to play football."He's got that bit of quality, composure and calmness that we need.

Whether that be off the side, as a striker. He can play a number of positions."Having that bit of variety in his play will help us and it will help the likes of Lucas de Bolle in the midfield as well."He obviously strengthens us and it gives the rest of the players a lift because there are fresh faces there."It's a case now of we have players who can go out there, knock their pan in and know we have