“The players were a credit to themselves this afternoon.

“I think the penalty save after the sending off is massive.

“That was pivotal as it was so early in the game. If they score then it is a double whammy and a real up hill struggle from then on in.

“We managed to get our noses in front and it could have two or three at the break but we end up, with last kick of the half, losing a sloppy goal and it gives them a lift going in at the interval all square, when we could and probably should have been a few goals ahead.

“Before the sending off Lewis Duncan hit the bar and then after then Chris hit the post. Also there were a couple of times when we got into good areas and could have hit it a bit earlier instead of taking the extra touch.

“The third goal was a great free kick from Ethan. At that stage we were 2-1 up and doing ok in the game but there is always that concern that you may concede so to get the two goal cushion at that stage was huge.

“I think our response to going down to ten men was great.

“The players application, their work ethic was brilliant and within that they incorporated some really good play in terms of possession and opportunities created. So really please for the players because it could have been a long afternoon for them, but they did really well within the game considering we were down to ten men for so long.

“Our movement ahead of the ball was really bright. We were brave with the shape, we would normally look at a 4-4-1 but they were playing quite a high line, so I wanted to keep the two up top as it allowed us to get in behind and play the game in their half.

“But the work ethic still had to be good and it was. It was brilliant. To earn the result, that was the biggest part. When you go down to ten men you really have to concentrate.
Sometimes when the other team goes down to ten men subconsciously you think it is going to be easier than it is, and we would sure it was not easier for them.

“It was a long trip down which does make it difficult for the players, but we managed to split it with the pre match meal which helped break up the journey.

“That is three wins in a row in the league. There is no doubt getting a run of games helps. Although the St Mirren game was off last week, we have managed to get three games in the past the four weeks and that helps, playing regularly as opposed to the first part of the season when it was very stop start and you don’t get any rhythm into your play.”