Hamilton Accies win SPFL Trust Trophy
Written By Calum Woodger
Hamilton Academical beat Raith Rovers 1-0 at the Falkirk Stadium to lift the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Former Raith defender Reghan Tumilty scored the only goal of the game to land Accies the silverware.
A fun day was had by all involved as supporters were entertained by cheerleaders, freestyle footballers, mascots and face-painters. Half time saw boys and girls from Hamilton and Raith’s youth teams take to the pitch for a kickabout – a moment they’ll never forget.
We also welcomed our Festive Friends VIPs for a slap-up day in hospitality at the Falkirk Stadium and both teams were led out by our player escorts.
And it was the job of Raith legend David McGurn and Hamilton hero Gary Clark to show off the prized silverware to the 5,566-strong crowd prior to kick off as the teams prepared for battle.
In the SPFL Trust’s second season sponsoring the trophy, holders Raith were looking to defend their crown.
However, it was Championship rivals Accies who started brighter and got themselves in front.
And it was ex-Raith man Tumilty who gave Hamilton the lead with a fierce strike beyond Jamie MacDonald in the Rovers goal on the half-hour mark.
His goal sent the 2,000 Accies supporters in the stands wild as they went in at half time 1-0 up.
In the second period, John Rankin’s Accies were reduced to 10 men as Daniel O’Reilly was sent off by referee Colin Steven.
Defending with their backs against the wall, goalkeeper Ryan Fulton made some stunning stops to help land Accies the silverware.
The referee’s full-time whistle saw rapturous scenes in the Hamilton end as the trophy, presented by Give the Glory winner Brandon Smith, went back to South Lanarkshire.