ALLOA boss Jim Goodwin insists his side have taken pleasure in proving doubters wrong after their superb recent form.

The Wasps boss has been named Championship manager of the month for December as the part timers secured two wins and two draws to climb to eighth in the table.

And it was a clean sweep for Alloa as on loan Hearts forward Dario Zanatta was rewarded for his excellent winter showing with the player of the month award.

The Canadian notched three goals in three games for the Wasps, including a memorable last minute winner against Dundee United at the Indodrill Stadium.

Alloa fans were given a welcome boost this week after the 21-year-old agreed to extend his loan deal in Clackmannanshire until the end of the season.

Heading into their return to the Championship, many had tipped the Wasps to be cut adrift at the bottom of the table.

However, they have so far defied pre-season belief and have more than matched their full time opponents.

Boss Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: “We knew what everybody was saying at the start of the season from outside the club.

“We read the papers and see the tables people put up online. I know Alloa were rooted to the foot of the table in every single one of them. We knew what people expected.

“A lot of players in my dressing room have been written off and it’s just fantastic for everybody involved that the players are proving everybody wrong.”

It’s the second time Goodwin has collected a manager of the month award with the Wasps, following up on his February 2017 League One prize.

But, the Irishman was keen to thank the hard work and determination of his players and give them all the praise for the award.

The 37-year-old continued: “It’s always a nice feeling to be given an award like this considering where we’re at and the managers that we’re up against.

“I always feel it is more of a team award than individual award.

“From my own point of view, I’m absolutely over the moon. It’s nice to get recognised for the hard work that you are doing.

“I reiterate you can do nothing without the players and my backroom staff.

“I’m delighted to accept it but I really do much accept it on behalf of my backroom staff and the players as well.”