Brian Rice says his Hamilton players deserve huge credit for sealing a remarkable victory away to Rangers.
David Moyo pounced on an error made by Connor Goldson to convert past Gers keeper Allan McGregor, allowing Hamilton to secure a superb 1-0 away victory in Govan. It puts them back into 11th after falling bottom due to Hearts’ win over Hibs.
Hamilton triumphed over Rangers. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s left Rice with immense pride in his group of players. He says that Hamilton defended brilliantly from front to back during their second win at Ibrox in three seasons.
“I’m very, very proud of everybody because for a club of our size to go to one of the giants of Scottish football and keep a clean sheet is phenomenal,” said Rice. “I’m immensely proud of the effort that they put in to see the game out.
“My job is to get Hamilton win football matches. I pick the team and tactics that give us the best chance to do that but it’s very difficult against teams like Rangers and Celtic.
A difficult task. (Photo by Ben Banks)
“For Hamilton to go to the Old Firm and keep a clean sheet is massive for us. The hard work started at the front because we pressed them to try and take the pressure off the backline. We know that when we go to these places we are going to be under pressure a lot of the time but we defended well.
“It’s just another victory for me because I’ve experienced a lot in my career, highs and lows. I’ve witnessed deaths on the football field so I don’t allow myself to get too high or low. I was probably the calmest person in the Hamilton camp on Wednesday because my focus immediately turned towards Kilmarnock.
“I know the position we are in and too many times I’ve seen that after you get a fantastic result, it can turn a bit flat. It’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen and it’s something I’ve worked hard to ensure.”
Made up for Moyo
One player in particular that Rice is pleased for is goalscorer Moyo. Since arriving in the summer from St Albans, he’s made 19 appearances with two goals and two assists in league action.
Chips, cheese and Moyo. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A consistent run in the team has escaped him, with injury one reason he hasn’t been able to start regularly for Rice. Moyo’s two goals have been vital though, scoring the winner in December’s 2-1 away win at Motherwell and against Rangers during the week.
His boss is well aware of the potential he has, with Rice hoping this is only the start for Moyo: “I’m delighted for David, I brought him to the club from non-league in England. He’s a brilliant character, very popular amongst players and staff.
“He’s a worker and he’s got that hunger that I look for in players. We both see it as an opportunity, he’s took a while to adapt to moving up to Scotland because it’s all new for him.
Delighted for the striker. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“He’s got the winner in the last game of the decade against Motherwell and he’s got the winner at Ibrox. That’s something that will live with him forever but I’m hoping the penny has dropped with him now. He’s getting a few more starts and I hope it’s the start of him getting more goals.
“I saw the raw potential in him, his work rate, heading and enthusiasm impressed me. We are just trying to add a few things to make him a better all round player but he wants to learn and isn’t scared of hard work.”