A late winner settled the second Lanarkshire derby of the season, with Hamilton overcoming Airdrie by the odd goal in three.

As usual following KDM Evolution Trophy matches, head coach John Rankin made a raft of changes to the team which beat Hearts B on Tuesday evening. Only Ruairidh Adams and Reghan Tumilty retained their places, with the goalkeeper continuing after an injury to Jamie Sneddon while Tumilty stayed at right-back following Sam Fisher’s suspension

The match started in end-to-end fashion, Steven Bradley’s second-minute shot deflected wide before Lewis Gibson’s cross evaded everyone following some good build-up play.

Callum Burnside almost converted another Gibson cross on 11 minutes, but a defensive touch took his shot just wide.

A 15th-minute free-kick was nodded directly to Declan Gallagher, but the defender put his strike over the bar before ex-Diamond Andy Ryan did likewise at the other end three minutes later.

The visitors were forced into a change midway through the half, with Bradley hobbling off to be replaced by another former Airdrie man, Dom Thomas.

Connor Smith came close to finding the net against his old side on 24 minutes, Dean Lyness pushing away a well struck free-kick.

Airdrie’s handball appeals were ignored as a Gavin Gallagher shot was blocked in the box on 27 minutes, and four minutes later the Diamonds also made an unplanned change, Adams pulling up after a kick-out and making way for Cade Melrose.

Defensive blocks denied Smith and Cameron Blues as both sides searched for the opener, and Accies came closest on 35 minutes as Ryan drove a close-range effort against the post.

Gavin Gallagher saw a 37th-minute strike blocked after good play by Burnside, and Thomas had his first sight of goal five minutes later, firing well wide from the edge of the box.

The midfielder made no mistake with his next effort, being afforded the time to shape up on his left foot before lashing a powerful drive low into the net beyond Melrose.

A half-time altercation at the tunnel led to red cards for Hamilton boss Darian McKinnon and Airdrie coach Callum Erskine, with Thomas and Craig Ross also being booked for their involvement before the second half kicked off.

With less than two minutes on the clock Airdrie were level as Josh Gentles won possession and closed in on goal. Although well marshalled by Tony Gallacher, the Rangers loanee got in a shot which looped off the defender and over Lyness before nestling in the back of the net.

Three minutes later Gentles set off on a similar run only to be cleaned out by Fergus Owens. The foul seemed to be a clear-cut second yellow card for the Hamilton defender, but referee Cameron Stirling was content to award the free-kick only.

Chances were exchanged around the 53rd minute with Melrose claiming a teasing Thomas cross before Burnside saw a first-time effort well blocked.

Airdrie were further aggrieved on 57 minutes when Stuart Bannigan – already on a booking – stopped an attack with a deliberate handball which also went unpunished.

Lyness got to a 59th-minute cross just before Smith, with Gibson’s long-range strike bending wide of the post two minutes later.

Airdrie were forced into another chance as Kwame Boateng replaced Declan Gallagher, who left the field clutching his hip.

The English defender took control as Thomas and Bannigan tried to get their side back in front on 68 minutes after Gentles had sent a well-struck angled effort over the top.

Melrose made a fine save from the lively McKinstry, whose netbound effort needed tipped wide in the 70th minute.

Thomas found space for another strike similar to the one he scored from on 73 minutes, curling wide of the post on this occasion, and Ryan’s penalty claims were waved away seconds later.

The winner came on 81 minutes, Hamilton sub Gregor Crookston taking full advantage of Tumilty’s slip to drive into the box and fire high into the net from close range.

Burnside teed Tumilty up for an 83rd-minute cross as Airdrie sought a second equaliser, but the visiting defence headed clear.

It was Accies who should have added to their lead on 85 minutes, but the normally-deadly Ryan contrived to scoop over from inside the six-yard box after a blocked Thomas shot had broken kindly for the striker.

Smith saw a volleyed effort blocked with a minute to play, and a series of fouls in stoppage time saw Airdrie unable to mount any further attacks.

Although a far better showing than in the previous meeting, the result ended Airdrie’s unbeaten run and ensured the bragging rights stayed on the other side of Lanarkshire.

A trip to league leaders Ross County follows next for the Diamonds, who will be looking to resume their recent form as quickly as possible.