Trialist Ewan Moyes was on target as Jeanfield Swifts opened up their East of Scotland League Premier Division campaign with a 3-1 victory.
The Perth side did not make life easy for themselves and had Jamie Reid shown straight red in a first half that ended without score.
The capital visitors seized the upper hand after the break when Joe Viola finished well from just inside the box.
But Swifts showed their steel and, following some pin ball in the box, Chris McLeish levelled proceedings by finishing high into the net.
Moyes, who is originally from Bridge of Earn and started his career at Hibs, then put the Riverside men ahead thanks to alert work from a corner kick.
The points were wrapped up late in the day when Robbie Young snuck in at the back post to finish.
“I was very impressed with the character and attitude shown by our players on Saturday,” said delighted manager Ross Gunnion.
“The sending off in the first half was something we all felt was a little harsh, but the players dug in and showed a maturity, discipline and determination that has exceeded anything I’ve seen in my time at the club.
“The win is credited to the 10 men and substitute who played that second half.
“We had Ewan Moyes in on Saturday playing as a trialist and the experience, quality and composure he brought to the team was invaluable.
“He was pivotal in the first goal with an assist and then popped up with great movement for the second.
“Robbie Young who had come on in the second half provided the energy we needed to get advanced. I was delighted to see him pop up for the third goal which his performance merited.”
Gunnion had emphasised the importance of a quick Premier Division start in order to be operating up the top end of the table from the word go.
Despite the opening day triumph, there comes a realisation that it counts for little if another positive result is not picked up during the week.
The busy early schedule continues on Tuesday night when Swifts travel to take on Hill of Beath, who started their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Haddington Athletic.
“It’s a great confidence boost to get three points on the first day,” Gunnion said. “But the start of the season is always hectic and we can’t get carried away with ourselves.
“Hill of Beath will be a much tougher test on Tuesday evening and, for now, that’s all we can focus on.
“We have a long season, but momentum is a huge factor in this league and hopefully we can build on this.”
