Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin insists Dan O'Reilly's red card HELPED them win the SPFL Trust Trophy final.
Reghan Tumilty fired Accies in front against Raith Rovers after half an hour at the Falkirk Stadium and Rankin's men held that 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.
Just 10 minutes into the second half though, O'Reilly was shown a straight red card for catching Raith's Sam Stanton with his arm.
That turned the momentum in Raith's favour and Accies needed a heroic, backs-to-the-walls display to hold out for glory.
But Rankin reckons that was the key moment which made sure his side would run out Trust Trophy champions.
He said: "It wasn't how I envisaged winning silverware but the players gave us everything.
"I am absolutely delighted for them and so proud of them.
"When you look at us having to make two substitutes early in the first half due to injury obviously wasn't in the plan.
"And then we get Matty Shiels going through the pain barrier to get to half-time because he is obviously struggling with an injury as well, it is a big moment for him to get to half-time when we can make another substitute without another stoppage in the game, that was important.
"Then there's the red card.
"And, look, I've said to Dan that I think the sending off actually helps us win the trophy because it galvanised the players.
"It brought a real togetherness and a real spirit."
Rankin was full of praise for the 2,140 Accies fans who flocked to Falkirk to see his side claim their first cup win for 30 years.
And he says that kind of backing will be needed in the weeks to come as Accies have a relegation battle to fight in the Championship.
He added: "I watched 2000 Hamilton Accies fans out there and, with their backing, they helped the players get out of a hole - and we need that backing for the rest of the season now.
"The support and the noise, the encouragement - the players need that between now and the end of the season.
"And, if we can get that, we'll be okay."
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