Marc McKenzie revealed the Blue Brazil’s last game of the season was emotionally draining but rates this win among the highlights of his career.
The 27-year-old winger came on as a half-time substitute and set up the equaliser before scoring the clinching third goal.
McKenzie said: “This is an amazing feeling because today was nerve-racking but we have pulled off a great season.
“A couple of things have gone our way because the sending-off was a turning point and Airdrie have helped us. However, our team are part-time players who work hard and to stay in this league feels like winning a title.”
Boss Colin Cameron said: “I had belief in my team all season and for me belief has been our key word.”
Hamilton took the lead on 27 minutes when Stevie May made a run before volleying home from Ali Crawford’s free-kick. Four minutes later Hamilton were reduced to 10 men when Andy Ryan retaliated by kicking out at Thomas O’Brien.
At half-time Cameron made a positive double substitution knowing nothing less than a win would suffice. McKenzie and Lewis Coult went on for Lewis Milne and Kyle Miller as caution was thrown to the wind.
The switch paid dividends four minutes after the break when McKenzie darted past a defender and crossed for Scott Linton, who buried his header.
It was end-to-end action, with chances for both sides and home striker May always looked a threat to Thomas Flynn’s goal. The Cowdenbeath fans celebrated as news filtered through that Airdrie had gone 1-0 and later 2-1 ahead.
It got even better for the Blue Brazil with 18 minutes left when Dean Brett’s cross was headed on by John Armstrong for Craig Moore who volleyed home.
Everyone on the Cowdenbeath bench leapt on to the pitch celebrating as they began to sense that First Division survival could be theirs.
Hamilton, though, went close, with May’s shot shaving the post before Louis Longridge fired narrowly over. But in 84 minutes Cowdenbeath were safe when Moore turned provider for McKenzie, who slid the ball past the goalkeeper for a big win.