“It was a very competitive game from start to finish.

“I have not seen any of the sending offs again, but I thought during the game we kept our composure well, especially after last week when it was roles reversed.

“I thought the lads did really well second half and I thought we put in a really professional performance to get the win.

“Both sides are battling for third position at the moment. I didn’t think they were going to give us a yard and we certainly were not coming here to give them anything at all.

“With the young squad that we came here today with, because of the injuries and suspensions, we have done well to win the game and put on such a professional performance.

“The one bit of quality in the whole game, we score from it.

“We are always quietly confident that we can produce that.

“It was very pleasing to get the three points today.

“The referee had a tough game and I thought he did ok. I have not seen the first and third red cards but the second yellow on Shinnie was definitely a yellow. I felt the referee did the best he could.

“The main thing coming here, the gaffer stressed the importance of getting the three points and getting back on the road after last week. We did not really care about the performance to be honest.

“The post-split fixtures are like a mini five game league with Kilmarnock to get third spot. We wanted to create a gap going into the last four games. And we have done just that.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, and some very hard games, but we can now start preparing for the Rangers match next weekend and we will go there with confidence after another strong performance away from home.

“I got 90 minutes playing for the reserves on Monday as well as the 90 minutes today. Two games in a week was nice as I have not had many this year. It has been frustrating but it is good to contribute and feel part of the team. I have tried to remain positive and professional throughout the season and I think I haver done that. Coming into today, I felt I could do something for the team, and I felt I did ok.

“The manager also emphasised this week that everyone in the squad is going to have a part to play over the coming weeks. That showed today with the suspensions and the injuries we have had. Big Greg Halford came on at the end and was a calming influence at the back. He won some good headers.

“Hopefully we can get some more bodies back as we were down to the bare bones.

“All round, I thought it was a good day for the club after a not so good day last week. It feels a hell of a lot better.”