Scott Martin hailed the character of 10-man Hamilton Accies after their draw with Morton - and reckons it's a game they would have lost last season.
New gaffer John Rankin unable to start the new Championship season with a win as Andy Ryan's 11th minute opener was cancelled out in controversial circumstances that led to not only Shaun Want seeing red but also Rankin.
Referee Mike Roncone awarded the visitors a spot-kick for a foul on Jaze Kaida that was outside the box and earned Want a second yellow card.
Ex-Accie Grant Gillespie converted the penalty that would earn Ton a point before Rakin saw red for a foul-mouthed rant at Roncone after the half-time whistle.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Accies were the better side in the second half and could have nicked it and midfielder Martin was delighted with how the side reacted in the face of adversity.
He said: "The game obviously changes with the red card, but the boys really dug deep after they scored from the penalty.
"In our heads we need to take the positives out of that and I felt we dealt with that situation very well.
"We were together as a team and as a unit.
"And that's pleasing because maybe last year we would have lost that game.
"It's encouraging signs.
"The gaffer wants to bring back the old Hamilton style and how we used to play.
"I think we showed that today.
"We put on a good performance for the fans and ourselves. It gives us some encouragement and I feel we are moving in the right direction.
"Since the gaffer has come in he has been brilliant.
"He's infectious in what he does and it rubs off on people.
"He's energetic and he buzzes around the place.
"The way he wants us to play suits us to a tee so I think the gaffer has done really well since he's come in.
"All the boys are behind him and we look as if we've taken a step up on one or two levels, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."
On the decisions made by Roncone, Martin added: "I've not seen the penalty back, but we are not really allowed to say anything about referees now, so I can't say what I want to say."
The players were backed to the hilt by a vocal New Douglas Park support and Martin really appreciated that as they gave them a performance to be proud of.
"I could actually hear the crowd getting behind us," he said.
"It was a feisty game, that was always going to be the case.
"The fans are really important to us, we need them behind us every week.
"I know some weeks are harder than others but we do really appreciate all their support."
Accies will now prepare for next week's trip to Partick Thistle, who surprised many by defeating Dundee 3-2 at Dens Park.
Martin, whose side lost 3-0 to Dundee in the Premier Sports Cup, added:"We know how Partick play. They are a really good side and they'll be a big threat.
"We'll look to have a good week at training and go from there to get a gameplan that will get us a positive result."
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