Stirling Albion boss Alan Maybury believes Saturday’s 2-1 comeback win over Forfar proves progress is being made during his tenure.
The Binos fought back from an early Bradley Rodden penalty to lead at the break courtesy of goals from Erik Sula and Ricky Waugh’s first strike for the club.
A second-half red card for on-loan Hearts youngster Bailey Dall threatened to spoil things, but Stirling held on comfortably to seal a second win at Forthbank of the season and a 15 point haul through the first quarter.
It means they are guaranteed to be sitting in fourth when Clyde visit on league business in a fortnight – and Maybury was left satisfied with both the performance and determination.
The Irishman said: “There was lots to overcome, going a man down, conceding the goal against the run of play – I thought we were the better team before that.
“I thought after the goal we were really good and on the front foot and doing a lot of the things we’re looking for.
“We get the first goal from a set piece, I think that’s four or five we’re scored from those this season. We don’t necessarily do a lot of training work on it but we do our plan and our homework and so credit to Calum [Erskine, goalkeeping coach] for that.
“The second goal is brilliant with Cooper doing well to pick out Ricky at the back post and it was probably one of the moves of the game.
“The red card changes things a little. It was a little harsh but we are learning our lessons, we went down to 10 in Peterhead and couldn’t hold on and we looked quite comfortable today.
“They had maybe one shot which Gats [Derek Gaston] had to tip away and that was really it.
“I can definitely see the extra bit of belief down in Stranraer and as well today, the players taking the things we spoke about prior and executing it on the pitch.”
The international break gives time for Stirling to take a breath on a manic few months since Maybury’s sudden arrival in the summer, with a comprehensive squad rebuild starting to bed in and take shape on the field.
It will also be a key breather for the Binos ahead of an ultra busy spell which will see them compete across three different competitions in the coming weeks.
“We have a busy month coming up with a friendly we’ve taken on and also a Stirlingshire Cup game, there’s a Scottish Cup and league games, Maybury continued.
“We’re getting into a better position with the squad, Harry [Wright] was back on the bench today, James Graham was a trialist again and we’re trying to do something on that because he offers us something different.
“Ross [Davidson] was very close to playing, but he just felt a niggle and we didn’t think it was worth it, he’ll be back for the next game, Hilson and Milne were on the bench so gradually the squad is starting to come together for us.”