Saints 3-0 Hamilton Academical

Hamilton were gubbed. There is no other way to put it. They rarely threatened the Saints goal, even resorting to having some shots from kickoffs, although one did cause Craig Hinchcliffe problems when he had to tip it over the bar. Apart from that there were a few other scrambles, but nothing major.

Saints, on the other hand, were superb. Almost straight from the off they showed they were up for it, with Simon Lappin finally showing just why he is in the Scotland under 21 squad. He may not be playing on the wing any more, but he is in great form at the moment, and even his corners were decent.

Saints had some decent chances in the first half before they finally did score, with both Lappin and Brian McGinty forcing Hamilton keeper David McEwan into good saves which provided corners.

The breakthrough came half way through the first half when Ryan McCay crossed and Stewart Kean prodded the ball past McEwan. It was Kean's first Saints goal since signing from Ayr United, and the chants of "Keano" were soon ringing around the ground.

Saints had strolled through the first half, and could have had a penalty when Kean went down in the box. Would Hamilton react?

Nope. After threatening in the first few minutes, especially when Kevin McGowne produced a stunning knock down for a Hamilton player, they did sod all for the rest of the game. Saints were constantly attacking, McGinty beating players before messing up the final bit, be it shot, header or cross. When he was replaced with former Accies man Allan Russell it was a good move.

The striker arrived to boos, and you never, ever do that, even if it is a former player. Last season I remember writing about the Airdrie fans slagging Barry Lavety when he came on in the cup. Result? He scored his only goal of the season! Russell had already scored this season so that wouldn't happen, but he did score.

Some fantastic work by Lappin down the right saw him skin his marker before cutting the ball back for the model and, despite having to stretch, he brilliantly put the ball into the bottom corner to double the advantage. It's the second time this season he's scored against Hamilton. Thanks for booing him lads, really.

Despite Hamilton having a go from the kick off, their fans were soon heading for the exit when Kirk Broadfoot brilliantly played Kean in and he finished expertly after taking a touch. Two goals for Keano, twice the number of Chris Templeman who cost Morton over £100k. Who is better value for money now Soapdodgers, eh?

And that was it. Saints won 3-0, Keano going off to a standing ovation. The win was fully deserved, 3-0 maybe even bein a bit kind.

Roll on the next round, here's hoping we get Hearts away.