Visiting keeper Ivor Petrie was sent off after just 90 seconds for a trip on striker Graeme Brown. Reserve keeper Ross Buchanan came on as Jimmy Boyle's penalty rebounded off the post.

It was left to John Paul Burns and Anton Smith to knock in the goals which spared the league leaders' blushes.

Hamilton waited for the results of an 11.30 pitch inspection before setting off for their third-meets-second clash with Brechin, which ended goalless in a mudbath.

East Fife made fourth spot their own with a 1-0 home win over Dumbarton, while Albion Rovers scored three goals in the closing seven minutes to beat Montrose 3-2.