Hamilton Accies have stepped up a level under John Rankin, says Scott Martin as he hails fighting spirit

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