MIDFIELD maestro Iain Flannigan reckons the timing of the first goal was the key to Alloa Athletic’s emphatic 4-0 win over Albion Rovers last weekend.

There was some slight confusion surrounding the first goal on Saturday after the talented star saw his volley deflect its way past the Albion keeper, but there was no doubt about the match outcome there after as the Wasps romped away to secure all three points in a clinical manner.

And the goal-hero says there was only ever going to be one winner once they adapted to the tricky surface and got their opening goal. 

Flannigan told Advertiser Sport: “The first half against Albion Rovers was tight and scrappy because the pitch was very poor, dry and quite sticky.

"It meant that you had to take that extra touch on the ball, it was a bit of a leveller and so there was periods of the first half where we struggled to find our feet.

“Once we got that all important first goal then they had to come out a wee bit which allowed us a wee bit more space to play and so we were able to go on and seal the game from there.

"It was a really good second half performance from us, we really took our chances when they arrived and created a number of other opportunities too. 

“The opener was definitely my goal, despite Jordan Kirkpatrick trying to claim it. I caught it on the volley and it has found its way into the net with a slight deflection off the defender, but it was definitely my goal.

"It was pleasing to get that goal because it was such an important one in the context of the match and to get it so early in the half meant it invited them out a wee bit.” 

Flannigan and fellow midfield ace Jordan Kirpatrick continue to hit top form this season and the 27-year-old believes their red-hot start is down to the freedom of expression given to them by manager Jack Ross.


He said: “It is really refreshing to see such an attacking element to our play this season. The gaffer has allowed us a freedom in the final third in terms of the three playing in behind the striker and it has meant we can be quite fluid in that area.

"For a few of the goals last weekend, Kevin Cawley’s runs away from his area into the box were key and it is because of that freedom that we are able to do that and make it count. It is enjoyable to play in the system and every single player knows their duties. 

“Jordan Kirkpatrick has started the season really well in fairness to him and he is even trying to steal my goals now.

"The goals he has scored already have been fantastic, but he has a lot of ability and his overall contribution has been top class as well.

"From the team’s point of view it is just about contributing and each doing our bit. There is a good harmony within the team at the moment and I think that has been a big part of the results we are getting at the moment.”

The victory at Cliftonhill saw the Wasps go clear at the top on their own, but the former Partick Thistle star says the players will not get too carried away.

he focus now turns to the Irn Bru Cup and a third round clash with East Fife at the Indodrill Stadium and it is a game the in-form midfielder knows will be a tricky one. 

Flannigan added: “It is nice to be clear at the top on our own especially when we have a week’s break from league action now. 

"We know there is still a long way to go in terms of the league. There is only four games into the league season and while it is a good start, that is all it is, albeit the signs are very promising for us.

“East Fife will no doubt provide another test for us in the Irn Bru Cup on Saturday. They were very well organised in the game where we beat them in the league a few weeks back and that game was probably our toughest test so far in the league so we know this one will be another difficult one.

"We will just take that game at its merits and with it being a cup game I am sure it will be slightly different to the first game. We are looking forward to it though and we will try our best to advance in the cup.”