Hamilton boss Brian Rice says the heart of his team was ripped out as they struggled to cope without nine first-team players against Livingston.
Rice has no arguments about the Lions running out 2-0 winners on a freezing cold pre-Christmas evening but said they were up against it from the start.
With five injuries, one positive Covid test and three others self-isolating, Rice didn't have the personnel to cause Livingston problems.
He said: "Nine players missing before we start for a club like Hamilton; we can’t cope with that with the size of our squad.
"That’s not why we lost. Livi were excellent and thoroughly deserved to win.
"Seven of those nine would be starters. Five injuries and one covid and three track and trace. Don’t ask me the rules on track and trace, as it seems to change from day to day.
"We knew late last night. The heart of my team was ripped out. Scott Martin and Ross Callachan are out. It’s soul destroying.
"We could field a team. Nobody is wanting games cancelled. For me to put out a strongest team to compete I need some of those players on the pitch.
"There were young lads out there who were nowhere near the team in recent months. It’s nobody’s fault but it’s the way it is.
"We were just hanging on. You could see with the experience and strength Livi had. I’m disappointed one or two didn’t take their opportunity but I can understand it as well.
"Me losing nine players, I don’t know what to say.
"We play Celtic on Saturday and none of them will be back and my goalie went off injured. They’ll miss ten days."
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