STEFAN SCOUGALL put in a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday and said the victory felt like a bigger three points than usual.

Scougall started a little deeper than usual and was able to get on the ball more. With his low centre of gravity and ability to turn quickly, he left Peterhead chasing shadows.

Speaking exclusively to Advertiser Sport, he said: "I thought we started the game really well, in the first 10 or 15 minutes we had a couple of good chances, we just couldn't take them.

"After that we kind of lost our way, they came into the game a wee bit and probably finished the first half on the up.

"I think half time probably came at a good time for us and we came out and put in a better performance in the second half."

After strong displays against the teams at the top of the table, Saturday's victory came against a team closer to Alloa in the table.

Scougall continued: "The aim is always to get three points but [on Saturday] it felt like it was a bigger three points than any other week. The results went our way elsewhere and, hopefully, now it's a case of looking forward and you never know what could happen."

Saturday's match was Brian Rice's fourth game in charge and Scougall believes the squad are playing well.

He continued: "The gaffer's came in with his ideas and the boys have bought into it; I think we've been unlucky in a couple of games

" In the Cove game I thought we played really well up until the sending off.

"Cove are probably the best team in the league so I thought that was a good benchmark for us. The gaffer's came in, lifted spirits so it's been good so far."

On playing a deeper role than he's used to, Scougall said: "You do get on the ball a lot more. I'd prefer to play higher but you don't get on the ball as much. As long as I'm getting on the ball, I don't mind where I'm playing and I'll play anywhere for the gaffer here.

"It's where I started my career, a wee bit deeper as a number eight or a four. I don't mind playing deeper, as long as I get on the ball."

Rice was full of praise for Scougall after the match and said he has the ability to be playing at a much higher level.

"I take that on the board," Scougall continued. "The gaffer's been in the game for many moons so that kind of praise does give you a lot of confidence. As long as I'm playing my best football I'll definitely enjoy my performances."

Next up is another bottom of the table clash and Scougall knows exactly what the club need.

He continued: "It's the old cliche in football, the next game's the most important and it's no different whether [the team] are at the bottom of the league or the top of the league, the next game is the most important.

"It's a big game, the next six games are all big games. We had a good performance [on Saturday], so, hopefully, we can maintain that."