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As the season moves into what will be a decisive phase, we go up against familiar foes in Hamilton this weekend as the sides go head-to-head for the ninth time in little over eighteen months.

Cove were unbeaten against Accies in our Championship campaign, and with both teams ultimately going down, they have once again been our rivals this time round. Having been drawn together in the League Cup group stage – a 2-2 draw at New Douglas Park in which we gained the bonus point – the three previous League One encounters have gone the way of the hosts, with Fraser Fyvie’s excellent header settling the earlier meeting at Balmoral Stadium last November.

A similar result would be a massive boost to our hopes of making the playoffs, and Paul Hartley says we are approaching this one in good spirits after last week’s much improved display against Kelty Hearts:

“From start to finish, we played as a team. We needed a big reaction, and we certainly got that. We were solid defensively, we controlled the play, particularly in the first half, and the players gave me everything I could have asked from them.

“We had spoken about being patient, and we had to be at times given how they set up, but there was more speed about the team, and we got behind them on a number of occasions. Even going in nil-nil at half time there was no panic and we got that bit of quality when we needed it; a great ball in from Fraser Fyvie and Mitch doing what he does best.”

“There’s good experience in the group and we just need to show a bit more confidence at times. The boys were excellent right through the team, and that’s the kind of level we’re going to need for the run-in.

“We are low in numbers, there have been injuries to key players, but it’s up to the lads who step in to take their chance and show the resilience you must have in this league. It’s a good dressing room, full of strong characters, and I was delighted they showed that down at Kelty.

“There are so many players in there who have been over the course before, who have won things, but have also suffered disappointments throughout their careers. It’s about bouncing back and proving just how good they are and using that in a positive way.

“That cannot be a one-off, we now need the consistency. When we’re on it, we can be really good, and that’s what I hope to see over the seven matches we have left.”

The manager is well aware of the threat Accies carry, and how well they have done this season. Having all but clinched a playoff place, they are firm odds-on favourites to claim second place in the table, but Paul believes we can still give them a real run for their money:

“Hamilton will be a test, I think John Rankin has recruited well, he signed a lot of good players, some of whom I know really well and have worked with, so I know what to expect.”

“The games between the sides this season have been really tight though, and I would expect the same this weekend. We have the home advantage; we need to try to make that count if we are to get the win.

“I have been involved in many run-ins over the years, both as a player and manager, and the most important aspect is the ability to show calmness when the pressure is on. It doesn’t matter what the objective is, you need to keep a level head, stay relaxed, and play to your ability. If you can do that, and you have a strong mentality, you’re giving yourself a real chance of success.

“Since we came into the leagues, it has been the same every season, there’s always been something to play for.

“We won League Two the first season, lost in the playoffs the next year and then won League One. The fourth season was of course fighting relegation, which was tough, but we’re in there again battling for a playoff place this year.

“I have every faith in my players’ ability to get the job done.”

Blair Yule has resumed training again, but will be out for a few weeks yet, while Matty Shiels, who went off injured last week, will also be missing. The good news is that Sena is fit again and will be in the squad.

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