JIM Goodwin guided his team to an emphatic win over Stenhousemuir as his team finished the year with a 4-2 victory.

The Alloa player-manager admitted that a win was important but had been primarily concerned with the safety of Neil Parry and Alistair Roy after a second-half collision between the two players.

He told Advertiser Sport right after the match: “I know big Neil’s alright. He walked out on to the ambulance but he’s got blood coming from his ear. We don’t know what the impact of that is.

“The poor boy from Stenhousemuir, that was very concerning."

It has since been confirmed that the players are healthy and recovering from the head knock.

Gordon Thompson, chairman of Stenhousemuir Football Club released a statement to reassure supporters that a doctor had been in attendance.

He said: “When both players left the pitch, they were met in the tunnel area by our club doctor who was present during the whole game.

“Our doctor attended to both players until the ambulance crews arrived where a joint decision was made to take both players to hospital by ambulance for evaluation.

“Whilst both players will no doubt feel a bit battered and bruised, we are delighted that neither was more seriously injured in what was a horrific clash together.”

Goodwin was delighted by the manner in which his players approached a difficult match in blustery conditions.

He added: “It’s great to get that win and finish on a high. I thought the conditions were shocking for both teams, with the wind and rain, but I thought we managed the conditions really well.

“We spoke during the week about where we felt Stenhousemuir’s dangers were and that’s their two wide men. They’re both very good players, very offensive and attacking-minded.

“I would take responsibility for their first goal because I’m asking Calum and Taggs to try and take them the other way but unfortunately we lose the ball and they counter-attack on us.

“We conceded that early goal but again my boys’ character never comes into question.

“They’re absolutely fantastic, the amount of times they’ve come from behind to go and nick points is brilliant. I’m really pleased with them, every one of them.”

Steven Hetherington was a calming influence in midfield and the gaffer praised his contribution since returning from injury.

Goodwin said: "I’m delighted to have Stevie Hetherington back who was excellent in the middle of the park again.

“That’s his second game back from a serious injury and he’s like a new signing for us. It just adds quality and a bit of strength in depth.

“The calibre of our goals was good, they were really well worked. The boys can enjoy the New Year and come back in on Tuesday.

Goodwin’s focus is still very much on closing the nine-point gap between the Wasps and first place.

He said: “We’ve got a job in hand, it’s as simple as that. We’re not as close as we would like to be to Livingston. We’ll do everything we can and continue to work hard behind the scenes.”

Alloa make the trip to Stranraer on Saturday as they look to build on the victory.