John Rankin insists he felt Hamilton's shock win at Inverness was coming after feeling a 'real energy' around his squad in the build-up.
The Accies gaffer says his side were buoyed by their display in a 2-1 defeat to Championship leaders Partick Thistle on Saturday and took the positives with them to the Highlands to sink second-place Inverness last night.
Andy Winter's first half strike was enough to end Hamilton's run of four straight defeats and claim a vital three points, which moves them three points clear of bottom side Arbroath - having played a game more - ahead of Saturday's trip to Gayfield.
Rankin was overjoyed for his squad and the hardy band of 32 Accies fans who made the long journey north to cheer on their side.
He told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "The bus was certainly lively on the way home last night. It's a good three points and we are delighted to go and get a clean sheet as well.
"It makes a big difference.
"I think we got the performance and workrate on Saturday without getting the result.
"But judging by the mood of the players on Sunday morning when they were in the swimming pool, judging by training, I could feel there was a bit of a buzz, a real energy and a bit of pride in themselves for how they played against Partick.
"I could feel a result coming and I said that to Daz [MacKinnon, his assistant] in training before the game and, sure enough, the workrate was there, the spirit was there and there was a real energy and urgency to our performance so I'm absolutely delighted for them.
"All the supporters want is for the players to graft and show determination for the shirt and they did that.
"We looked like a real team and that's what we need.
"The 32 supporters we took up there, we really thank them. They were on our side from the very beginning and we are delighted we could send them down the road happy."
Goal hero Winter bagged his fifth goal of the season with the winner last night, but it was his first Accies goal in two months.
Rankin added: "Strikers have a dry spell and it's about getting out the other side of it. He hadn't scored since Ayr away in the third game of the season and he has found it difficult at times.
"But you could see he was full of confidence and energy, hitting snap shots, reacting well to things so he'll take a lot from this game and the boys are buzzing for him as well to get on the scoresheet.
"It makes a huge difference to get that result as well, especially away from home."
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