SCOTT TAGGART was relieved to have been passed fit to start for Alloa and continue his record of playing in every game for the club since his arrival in 2016.

The right-back was forced off with an injury during last week’s victory over Ayr, bringing to an end an astonishing run of 7,263 consecutive minutes of first-team football.

But he returned to face Forfar last Saturday and played a key role as the Wasps continued their good recent form.

Taggart told Advertiser Sport: “Last week was the first time I’ve had to come off since I’ve been here.

"I knew something wasn’t quite right during the game and I’d have hated to stay on and cost us a goal. I was happy enough to put my hands up and admit that I needed to come off.

“I’ve been working hard with the physios all week. I came in in the morning before the game to do a fitness test and make sure I was alright to play.

“I knew myself that I hadn’t missed any games so it was a bit gutting to have to come off but to have a stat like that is obviously nice.

“I’m just glad I was able to get back fit in time for the Forfar game and help the team pick up the three points.”

Alloa were made to work for their victory over relegation-threatened Forfar, but Taggart was delighted with the three points and the clean sheet as the Wasps emerged 1-0 winners.

He said: “It’s a great three points for us. We had a couple of chances in the second half to put the game to bed but sometimes they just don’t go in for you.

"They were throwing everyone forward at the end but we kept the clean sheet which we are really happy with. The back four did well and Neil Parry was great when we needed him as well.

“Sometimes the guys up front rescue us when we make mistakes but this time I think it was the other way round! We did miss a few chances but fortunately it didn’t matter in the end.

“All that matters is that we got the three points.”

Alloa’s victory meant they climbed above Arbroath and into third place in the League One table, and Taggart reckons next week’s meeting of the two sides has the makings of a great match-up.

He added: “We’ve got quite a lot of games over the next couple of weeks so it will be tough but we are looking forward to it.

"We know how good Arbroath are because they are still right in the battle for the playoffs as well, and going up there will be difficult but it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”