Hamilton promoted to SWPL 1 after victory over Kilmarnock
Hamilton 3-0 Kilmarnock: Accies finish second ahead of Partick Thistle and Dundee United
Hamilton Academical secured promotion to SWPL 1 after a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock at the Fountain of Youth Stadium
An early goal by in-form Josephine Giard set the ball rolling for Hamilton.
The German striker added a second before Georgie McTear ensured the hosts finished in second place ahead of promotion rivals Partick Thistle and Dundee United, who drew 2-2 on Tayside.
They join Aberdeen in reaching next season’s expanded 10-team top flight.
Any win for Hamilton would have meant promotion, but a draw or defeat would open the door for Thistle and United.
But Giard pounced on a deflected shot and slid the ball past the onrushing McGregor to get Accies off to a fine start.
The hosts did not have it all their own way as Kilmarnock battled gamely with most of their successful offence running through Abby Robinson.
All her hard work nearly paid off after some head tennis in the Hamilton area. She caught a beautiful strike on the volley bringing the best out of Rhind in the Hamilton goal and forcing her to palm the ball away.
There was a large stoppage in the first half to treat Megan Quinn who came out on the wrong end of a full blooded 50-50 challenge, but thankfully she was able to return to the field of play and Hamilton went in at the break a goal ahead.
A wonderful solo run from Giard, carrying the ball around 60 yards, forced a save from McGregor.
Then Rhind cleared the ball up field and with no Kilmarnock defenders attacking the ball Giard burst through the middle and calmly slotted her finish past McGregor to double their lead; her 12th goal in 11 games for the Lanarkshire side.
It wasn’t long before Hamilton could start dreaming of SWPL1 as the ball cannoned off the post it dropped to McTear around 15 yards out and she prodded the ball through the crowded penalty area.
As the final whistle went the celebrations started, with 13 points in their final five games Hamilton really turned it on at the business end of the season and proved they are heading back where they belong.
