Clyde midfielder John Rankin revealed a huge wave of relief came over him on Saturday when he netted the clinching goal in a 2-0 win over Dumbarton.
The 36-year-old has endured a torrid time with injury this season, undergoing two operations to solve a troublesome ankle problem.
He has managed a handful of substitute appearances since the turn of the year and climbed off the bench to claim his first goal of the season in the 90th minute.
You could see what it meant to him as he tore his shirt off and enjoyed the moment with the home fans, before being booked for excessive celebration by referee Alan Muir.
And he said: “It’s been long, it’s been horrible, it’s been the hardest time, but when that happens and you get a goal in the last minute, it’s a feeling of relief more than anything.
“I’ve sat and watched games and felt guilty because I’ve not been able to help - and that’s hard.
“But the boys have been great, they’ve ground out results and this week has been a massive week.
“To be able to play a part and help them, in just a small way, was massive.”
David Goodwillie’s 25th goal of the season and Rankin’s strike made it three wins on the spin for the Bully Wee, as they edged 10 points clear of the drop zone and 18 points ahead of rock bottom Stranraer.
It’s a huge boost to their hopes of retaining their League One status after last season’s promotion, and Rankin added: “We knew how big this week was and you can see the commitment and desire from the first minute.
“I thought our fitness levels were through the roof. We really took the game to Dumbarton and played some good stuff. Once Goody got the goal it was comfortable and you knew what was coming when they threw the big boy on up front. We managed it well, where in previous games we haven’t.
“Having the ability and desire in the group to go three games and get three solid victories is great.
“It’s taken us eight months to adapt, but we knew we’d get there. At no time did our confidence waver and it’s taken us to where we are.
“That’s nine points in the week, which is massive for the club at this stage.”
Clyde now head to Stranraer on Saturday.
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