BEAMING Billy Reid hailed the "magic" strikes that set his side on the road to a William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Dunfermline with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Dumbarton.

Expertly taken first- half goals from Ali Crawford and Mikey Devlin caught the Sons cold following a three-week lay-off due to the wintry weather.

Chris Turner offered hope for the home side early in the second half with a close-range header but Accies sub Grant Gillespie put the issue beyond doubt as Ian Murray suffered disappointment on his managerial debut.

And Turner's night came to an early end, the Sons scorer dismissed for his part in a bust-up with Alex Neil who was booked.

Accies boss Reid declared: "We changed the way we were required to play to pick up points in league games recently.

"We showed we are about playing football with good players who can express themselves and almost from the first minute to the last we controlled the game that way.

"We scored two magic goals. There was Crawford's chip and Devlin's curling shot was great for a centre-half."

Dumbarton's rookie boss Murray said: "I will look upon this defeat as a blessing in disguise as we have not lost three points in the league.

"I've also had a chance to look at the boys in action and the second- half display has given me hope."