TWO-GOAL Matty Todd hailed his Athletic team-mates' "character" in coming back to win an epic clash at Airdrieonians on Saturday.

But the in-form 21-year-old said that the Pars must make sure they don't suffer a repeat of an opening hour that saw them fall three goals behind against the Diamonds.

Todd's brace, after Kyle Benedictus had netted a penalty, awarded against former Dunfermline player, Callum Smith, who was sent off, brought James McPake's team level in an incredible final 30 minutes, which was crowned by Nikolay Todorov bagging a scarcely believable winner.

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It was an incredible fightback by the Pars, who extended their lead at the League One summit over nearest challengers Falkirk to seven points, whilst moving 13 clear of Airdrie, who sit third.

Todd's double took his goal tally for the campaign to nine and, speaking after the match, he said: "Everyone must have thought it was over but the boys showed great character and we are just delighted with the three points.

"I have never been involved in a game like that. We weren’t great, to put it quite frankly; we were miles off it in the first half, and we deserved to go in 2-0 down. It could have been much more, but we came out in the second half and showed that we've got a wee bit of character.

"The main thing was picking up the three points and we are just delighted with it.

"From minute one we were miles off it. We never started the game in the right manner, and maybe just took it a wee bit for granted, given where we are in the league.

"At half time, we had that chat, and we went out in the second half and showed a wee bit. We're just delighted.

"As soon as Kyle stepped up for the penalty and slots that home it gives the whole place a lift, even our fans; they were superb all day and, especially, they were right behind us when that goal went in.

"It probably gave us the lift that we needed and after that we've always got belief and we are just delighted with it."

Todd and his Pars pals will go head-to-head with Airdrie again this Saturday, when they make the trip to KDM Group East End Park, and he added: "“We have got to learn quick since we play them next week.

"We need to start the game correctly, start from minute one and not in the 55th minute when they got the man sent off.

"Today first half we weren’t good enough but all in we are delighted with the three points."