While most managers from lower division sides may have been more than pleased with a draw against a side who have topped division one for the majority of the season and haven't lost a game at home during that period, O'Neill saw his side create enough opportunities against the Accies to give his side hope for the replay.

"We knew we were playing a quality side who were going to retain possession for long periods and to be honest, I felt we dealt with that. There was a spell early on in the game where we were struggling to get to grips with the lads they had breaking from the middle of the park. But I thought the longer the game went on, the more comfortable we became in that area.

"Certainly we had a bit of luck and we had a good performance from our goalkeeper. But if you are going to go to a place like Hamilton, given the form they have been in, you need those things in your favour.

"We created some good chances. Their goalkeeper has had two excellent saves in the first 45 minutes and then there are the ones we created in the second half.

"Being honest, I thought Darren (Smith) was odds on to score and he is a player I would always back in that position. He was played in with a delightful ball from Charlie King and did everything well. He beat the defender, drew the goalkeeper, alas it was only his finish that let him down.

"Right at the death, we went agonisingly close again. Calum Smith, who along with Charlie King put in a tremendous shift in the forward line once again, hit the side netting following good work from Richard Walker.

"I felt we were well worth our draw, but it could have been an even better afternoon with a bit of luck. But you can't fault the players in any shape or form, their work rate and commitment was exceptional again.

"So it's only half-time and now we have given ourselves an opportunity to get a wee bit further in the competition. But Hamilton will still start as favourites. I do think it will be a different sort of game played at Brechin on a Tuesday night."

The manager is also delighted that his side's unbeaten run now stretches to nine games and, with a couple of home games sandwiched between the Scottish Cup replay, he's keen to see his side continue their form.

"We have a great opportunity with two home league games coming up to get back amongst those teams chasing a play-off place and we have to take advantage of that.

"Cowdenbeath are a side we have failed to beat so far this season and we need to ensure that is something we make amends for on Saturday."