New Douglas Park, the scene of last season’s debacle against Albion Rovers, retained its reputation as a bogey venue as we failed to progress to the League Cup quarter final. A goalless ninety minutes was followed by a no scoring period of extra time before McGovern saved Ramsden's penalty thereby giving Watson the chance to win the tie. He didn’t miss.
Leitch and Ainsworth were added to the team as Francis-Angol and Ramsden were benched. Although both sets of players set about their task with plenty of endeavour neither was able to break the deadlock. Twardzik made a few decent saves and, especially in the second half, we piled on the pressure without reward.
There was more action off the park as the fans entered the derby spirit, smoke an all. Indeed, the police helicopter had a busy night after the game as it tried to keep an eye on proceedings outside the stadium
Accies were reduced to ten men halfway through the second half and we took our cue to push forward. Ojamaa replaced Vigurs after 80 minutes but his spark was not enough.
There were seven yellow cards flourished in total and O’Brien received a second after a very soft coming together in the first period of extra time.
Penalty kicks followed (at the deserted end of the ground) and the first ten were duly converted. Ramsden's was saved and Watson scored. We were beaten at NPD again and interest in the competition is over. There will be a score to settle at Fir Park on Saturday when Accies come to Fir Park.
Hamilton 0 Motherwell 0 (Accies win 6-5 after penalties)
Motherwell: Twardzik, Reid, Mcmanus, O’Brien, Kerr, Vigurs (Ojamaa 80), lasley, Ainsworth, (Ramsden 105), Leitch, Sutton, Law
Attendance 3,631