Hamilton Accies' Betfred Cup Group F campaign got off to a nightmare start with a humiliating 3-1 defeat to League Two outfit Annan.
First half goals from Steven Swinglehurst, Tyler Fulton and Jack Purdue had Annan cruising before Scott McMann struck six minutes into the second half to grab a consolation.
It's the third successive game Annan have stunned the Lanarkshire side, having pulled off a 1-0 win in the 2018 edition of the competition and a thumping 4-1 win under boss Jim Chapman in the Scottish Cup back in 2016.
However, tonight's result was made all the more galling given the Borders side were playing their first competitive game for seven months.
Accies had played nine matches thios season before the game at Galabank and fielded a strong side, yet their hosts still proved too strong.
And the result had Accies fans seething on social media.
@stodmeister said: "That's totally embarrassing, against a lower league team having their first competitive game of the season. It's probably worse than the last time we were humbled by them."
Jose Santana (@stillsweatshirt) said: "This result is an absolute disgrace to the club."
Stephen D (@Accies_stephen) posted: "3-0 down in the first half against this opposition suggests a problem with the set up, selection or the mindset the team's being sent out with. And all of those issues rest with Rice."
After Accies pulled a goal back, @Craig_Grn commented: "Score another 9 and it still won't overwrite the first half.
George Gardner (@Oldtimeaccie) quipped: "What's the likelihood of Rice resigning before Margaret Ferrier?"
At half-time, James Wallace said: "Genuinely can't believe Kilmarnock [who had to forfeit their cup game 3-0 to Falkirk] will have a better night than us tonight."
Jamie Towers (@JamieTowers8) posted: "Beyond embarrassing."
Hamilton return to action on Saturday for their second group match when they host Ayr United, who beat Albion Rovers 5-2 at Cliftonhill.
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