Jimmy Boyle believes Airdrieonians' response to going down to 10 men helped them reach the second round of the League Cup.

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The Diamonds beat Stenhousemuir 4-3 at New Broomfield on Saturday – coming back from two goals down during a thrilling contest. 

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There was drama just before half-time with Airdrie's Chris O'Neil and Warriors defender Eddie Malone red-carded by referee Andrew Dallas for an off-the-ball clash.

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But Boyle felt his team adjusted better to the decision.

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He said: "We got it together and maybe the double sending-off has shaken things up a bit for us. We started to win more balls in the middle of the park and push forward.

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"We created a lot more chances and to come in at the interval 3-2 up was fantastic. The second half was a bit scrappy and neither team passed the ball well at all.

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"I thought we coped better with the red card. We wanted to be positive so played with three at the back while they stuck with a four.

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"We wanted to keep the two players up and I think that, in the 15-minute spell before half-time, things really worked for us.

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"We believe we have players who are both mentally and physically strong; they impose themselves on games. We have brought in strong characters and have some good experience."

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Boyle feels his strike pairing of Jim Lister and Lewis Coult – together with the contribution of midfielder David Sinclair – is making a huge difference.

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He added: "Jim and Lewis give our midfielders a chance to work off the mistakes they are forcing the defenders into making. We're trying to capitalise on that.

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"And David will score plenty of goals; I expect him to get into double figures. I have no doubts about that. He is a good footballer."