Bannsiders were 'punished' for a lack of conviction in both boxes in defeat to Hamilton Academical, says boss Oran Kearney

The Bannsiders had levelled matters at the break as Lee Lynch cancelled out Liam Smith's opener, however, their defensive frailties of late would be exposed yet again as Dario Zanatta gave Hamilton the lead on 48 minutes.

However, from there on, Kearney will be left wondering how his side never equalised as Jamie Glackin, Conor McKendry, Matthew Shevlin and Lyndon Kane all had chances to make it 2-2.

That lack of ruthlessness would be punished at the other end as Jamie Barjonas came off the bench to hit a decisive third for the holders who came out on top in the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.

Kearney said: “It was enjoyable in terms of experience for our lads in a different competition and against different opposition.

“For big parts of it, I thought it was a really good game and I think both teams had plenty of opportunities.

“We can’t argue with that side of it and probably the difference between the two teams was when they got into those areas, they were very clinical.

“It’s something we talk about and feels like something we spend a lot of time working on in training but on a matchday it’s those final decisions and choices that have a big impact on that.

“It’s frustrating because you felt we had more than enough in us to get something from the game but you’ve got to put the ball into the back of the net.”

As well as a lack of composure in front of goal, Kearney also bemoaned the three goals his side conceded at The Showgrounds.

“It was simple choices and simple decisions, particularly the second one, we’ve spoken about it in there was hellish frustrating,” he added.

“Even the first one and Josh Carson has held hands up and he’s just coming back from injury, he probably has two or three passing options and he chooses the hardest one and to be fair they go ahead and punish us with a clinical strike.

“I think when you step up that little level you get punished for those things.”