Hamilton Academical 2 Aberdeen Women 1 Sky Sports Cup League Phase Sunday 26 July New Douglas Park Referee: Luke McCauley

Aberdeen Women lost 2-1 to Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park on Sunday afternoon as they got their Sky Sports Cup League Phase campaign underway.

Iona Watt fired The Dons ahead early on, but two quick-fire Accies goals in the second half was enough for the hosts to claim all three points.

Managing the side for the first time since his arrival earlier in the month, Nathan Flight named an extremely young side for the trip south, with seven 16-year olds in the XI.

Mia Selbie, one of only two players who started the SWPL Play-off Final at the end of May to also play today, marked the season opener by celebrating her 17th birthday. The other starter against Queen's Park, Maddie Finnie, took the armband.

The only two remaining from May's Final squad, Aimee Black and Holly Daniel, both also started.

After a bright start in South Lanarkshire the young Dons were rewarded for their early efforts with the opening goal after just ten minutes.

Two Girls' Academy players combining, Lexi Colquhoun's cross found Watt inside the box who applied the finish of an experienced pro to find her first goal in adult football on her senior debut.

It was The Dons who remained largely in control of a quiet first half following the goal. Another Aberdeen chance was carved out of some good pressure from Selbie and Watt, allowing the away side to regain possession, Daniel's shot eventually blocked.

A rare Accies chance on 34' up the other end, MacDonald narrowly missing out on getting a touch on Gibb's inviting free-kick.

Davie and Murtagh went into the book for Hamilton towards the close of the half.

Half-time: Hamilton Academical 0-1 Aberdeen.

It was the hosts who started the second 45 with intent, Giard's cross cut out by Amber Signorini. Muir was next, her shot saved by the ex Inverurie Locos loanee.

Black was the first Don to find herself in the book on 56', the defender stopping a quick throw in.

The pressure continued to mount on the hour, Giard hitting the side netting from a good position after Daniel was caught on the ball.

Flight made his first change of the campaign not long after, Olivia Reid introduced, Colquhoun making way.

It was almost an instant impact from the substitute, with Reid narrowly missing out on being on the receiving end of Watt's chance, The Dons passing up a big chance to double their advantage in a half where they had largely been under the cosh.

Giard struck the post on 67', with the equaliser coming through Muir just one minute later, an awkward cross/shot catching out Signorini.

The Accies comeback was swiftly complete in the blink of an eye, Aberdeen cheaply giving the ball away a minute later, and this time Giard made no mistake with the finish. 2-1.

Following the goal Tyler Ferguson replaced Emily Simpson as The Dons looked for a route back into the game. Hoyle was introduced on 85', bringing the total to nine debuts for Girls' Academy players.

A shot through Watt was as good as it got for Aberdeen in the closing stages, with Nathan Flight's side unable to find a leveller to earn a penalty shootout for the bonus point.

A noble effort from a very young Aberdeen side in South Lanarkshire to begin their Sky Sports Cup campaign.

Next up, they return to Balmoral Stadium for the visit of St Johnstone on Sunday 2 August, kick-off 1pm.

Full-time Hamilton Academical 2-1 Aberdeen.

STATS

Hamilton Academical: 26. Chloe Nicolson, 2. Freya MacDonald, 4. Sky Murtagh, 7. Chloe Muir, 9. Josephine Giard, 12. Melissa Reid, 13. Alex Davie, 15. Erin Gilvear, 18. Osla Hunter, 20. Ava Smith, 23. Sarah Gibb Substitutes: 30. Ellie Thomson, 5. Georgina McTear, 6. Kirstie McIntosh, 10. Katy Barker, 11. Rachel Howie, 14. Sienna Tonner, 19. Mia Lynch

BOOKED: Davie 42' Murtagh 45+1'

GOAL: Muir 68' Giard 70' Aberdeen: 12. Amber Signorini, 5. Aimee Black, 6. Erin Carrol, 7. Mia Selbie, 11. Holly Daniel, 15. Maddie Finnie (C), 21. Mille Buchan (Hoyle 85'), 22. Iona Watt, 24. Emily Simpson (Ferguson 71'), 32. Piper Mayhew, 33. Lexi Colquhoun (Reid 68') Substitutes: 30. Nikola Faustynowicz, 25. Tyler Ferguson, 27. Iona Hoyle, 28. Olivia Reid

BOOKED: Black 52'

GOAL: Watt 10'