JIM GOODWIN was delighted with his side's resilience as they overcame a tricky Stranraer side at the Indodrill Stadium last Saturday.

The Wasps boss watched on from the stand as Ross Stewart's debut goal settled the tie to round off the second quarter of the season with a victory.

And he reckons a tactical change has been the reason for Alloa's improved form in recent weeks.

Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: "The end result is always satisfying but I didn't think there was much between the teams

"It was a very even game but I felt that with our chances in the second half we could have put the game to bed. In saying that, Stranraer had their chances as well and Neil Parry has made good saves at key moments in the game.

"I'm delighted overall because it's a great way to finish the quarter. We're on six wins from our last eight league games and I don't think there's many other teams out there who are carrying form like that.

"We've got five clean sheets in that time as well so there are lots of positives going forward. The back four and the goalkeeper deserve a lot of credit but we defend as a team. We changed the system going into the second quarter and I think you can see the difference."

The manager was full of praise for goalscorer Stewart, who played from the start just two days after arriving in the Wee County on loan from Championship side St Mirren.

He said: "I'm delighted for Ross to get up and running. In the second half he really came into the game. The thing I like about him is he wants to be positive. He tries to go forward all the time. I thought he had a very, very good debut and I'm delighted he was the match-winner for us in the end."

Goodwin will now prepare his side for a visit to Airdrieonians, who beat table-toppers Ayr last Saturday, and the manager warned that his players will face another tough test in North Lanarkshire.

He added: "Airdrie is always a difficult game and they have just had a very, very good result against Ayr United. It's not often that teams stop Ayr scoring goals.

"It will be another difficult game but there are no easy games in this league and regardless of whether you're playing top or bottom you have to prepare the right way."