Ryan Shanley admitted his second-half winner against Edinburgh City was extra sweet as he hit back against the boo-boys from his former club in the perfect fashion.
The ex-Edinburgh forward sprung to life to take advantage of a poor kick-out from City keeper Mark Weir and loop a winning goal into the net and seal an important three points for Stirling as they bounced back from the painful Peterhead defeat.
There was to be no holding back in the celebration either – as is often the case for players netting against former employers – with Shanley gleefully engaging with the Edinburgh support and rubbing his belly in response to the jibes.
Shanley has been an ever-present in the forward areas for Alan Maybury’s side since his arrival from Falkirk in the transfer window and the youngster knows it has taken time to get up to speed after little game time with the Bairns.
He said: “It’s good to score the winner when you’re getting a bit of stick from their fans, getting called fat through the game!
“I think it takes a wee bit to get back into the swing of things.
The hitman knows it’s a tall order for Albion to make a late run for the play-offs , but he emphasises that is the goal behind the closed doors of the Binos dressing room, beginning with three points at Elgin on Saturday.
“We all believe that we can still really do something this season, that’s what the attitude is in the dressing room, we just have to kick on and show what we can do – put on performances like this one which can help with that”, Shanley added.
Meanwhile, his manager Alan Maybury believes his side’s gritty win shows how far his side have come and believes their heart will stand them in good stead for the League Two conclusion.
“I thought we were good in parts”, the Irishman said.
“First half we we didn’t really do what we set out to do before the game, we were untidy on the ball and didn’t get the balance right in the shape but we still had good chances on the counter despite them having a lot of the ball.
“We were very clinical with the opportunities we had, including the goal, and then at half-time, it was about trying to calm things down and get some clear heads.
“We’re not quite sure with their goal in terms of it being offside. I know they’re saying there’s a player on the line but I think Gats is in front of him but it is what it is and set us back a bit.
“I think we weathered that storm in terms of territory and we defended well.
“It wasn’t pretty by any stretch of the imagination but it’s probably a good one to win in terms of showing that side of us.
“I think first half of the season, we couldn’t win these games by being too open so I think the team has come a long way since Christmas and it maybe hasn’t been reflected as much in results. It was a stubborn and resolute performance and that’s encouraging.”