Smart Osadolor was finally able to start a game for Elgin City after an unfortunate series of events – and quickly made it count.
The talented Nigerian striker bagged the opening goal for the Borough Briggs side who climbed into the play-off zone with the 3-1 defeat of Stirling Albion.
After the striker netted once in his first five substitute appearances for City, manager Gavin Price admitted he made a mistake in leaving Osadolor out of the recent defeat at Queen’s Park.
The 28-year-old then suffered more disappointment as the following week’s clash with Cowdenbeath was rained off.
He was then unable to face previous club Albion Rovers as part of the transfer agreement between the asides.
Osadolor was finally in the 11 to face Stirling and looks like becoming a key figure for City in the League 2 promotion fight.
Osadolor said: “Over the last few weeks, I’ve maybe been unfortunate not to start but, minus the Queen’s Park game, the boys have done great.
“I was raring to go for a start against Cowdenbeath and the game was called off, then last week at Albion Rovers I didn’t even know about the agreement between the teams until pretty much the day of the match.
“For whatever reason, it seems to be this time of year when I usually get my chance so I am hoping I can help the team get into the play-offs.
“I believe we can do that and go all the way – and be playing in League 1 next season.”
Elgin started brightly with Stirling keeper Nicky Hogarth pulling off a save from Conor O’Keefe, before dealing with Osadolor’s overhead kick.
Dylan Bikey was inches away with a low effort on a Stirling breakway.
But City deservedly went in front on 21 minutes when Archie MacPhee’s cross from the left was thumped home by Osadolor.
Six minutes later, the visitors were level when David Wilson netted a curling 25-yard free kick.
Stirling’s joy was short-lived, though, with Kane Hester restoring the hosts’ advantage on 29 minutes with a close-range finish.
Hester was fouled in the box just before half-time and MacPhee steered the spot-kick into the net.
The second half was a tamer affair, although Stirling wasted a chance to pull one back from the penalty spot on 79 minutes when Tom McHale denied Bikey.
City assistant Keith Gibson turned his thoughts to a crucial game at home to third-placed Cowdenbeath tomorrow night.
Gibson said: “It’s the first of three huge games for the club this week at home and I’m delighted we’ve got this win to take us into Tuesday.”
