A first-half strike from skipper Jim Sherry and two second-half goals inside a minute from David McFarlane clinched a 3-0 victory for Hamilton over Elgin to keep them on track for a promotion place.

Sherry notched his first goal of the season after 33 minutes when he picked up a loose ball, ran 25 yards and slotted the ball with the outside of his foot from the edge of the box to leave keeper Martin Pirie stranded.

Elgin went close with long-range efforts from Martin McMullan and Neil Whyte, but David Craig spoiled a good chance to level the scores when through on a one-to-one with the keeper.

However, he could only strike the ball against the keeper's legs.

David McFarlane headed a second after 63 minutes and within a minute added his side's third when he hooked a ball chested down by Alex Eadie into the net.

Seven minutes later he almost claimed his hat-trick but Pirie blocked his effort with his legs.