Sean Cryans admitted he was relieved to see Irvine Vics get back to winning ways with a hard-fought win at Port Glasgow on Saturday.
Goals from Alessandro Savarese (2) and Ewan Farrell gave the Westenders a 3-1 win at Parklea and their first victory in four games after back-to-back cup defeats and last week’s home draw against Lanark Utd.
And assistant boss Cryans, deputising for holidaying boss Dougie MacDuff, was pleased with the way his players went about their business at a tough venue.
He said: “It was a bit of a feisty game. It always felt like there was a wee bit of an edge.
“The boys battled well and the only slight disappointment, if I’m being harsh, was not managing to keep a clean sheet.
“But it seems like a long time since our last three points so we’re delighted to come away with the win.”
Lewis McCracken missed a golden chance to fire Vics in front with less than 60 seconds on the clock when, with the goal at his mercy, he sliced a close range shot wide of the target .
The visitors continued to create chances but the next major flashpoint came around the half hour mark when Vics defender Chris Jackson alleged he was racially abused. A lengthy pause in play followed as referee Barry Feery did his best to investigate and restore calm.
Vics got their noses in front five minutes before half-time, Savarese lashing a half volley into the top corner from a tight angle.
Number two arrived in 56 minutes when Port played themselves into all sorts of trouble from a goal-kick, Savarese robbing a dithering defender before Farrell drilled home from close range.
It was 3-0 little more than 10 minutes later, Savarese nodding home from point blank range after the Port keeper made a mess of punching clear.
Port pulled a goal back through Jamie McKenna but they endured more misery in stoppage time when midfielder Gary Pettigrew was sent off for a second booking.
It’s fifth versus third when Vics host Vale of Clyde this Saturday and Cryans admitted: “This could be our toughest challenge so far. They are on a similar run to us in the league having won nine out of 11 while we've won eight out of 10."
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