LONG-SERVING Iain Flannigan spoke of his immense pride after making his hundredth start for Alloa against Arbroath last Saturday.

The midfielder joined the Wasps five years ago after stints with Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle, Morton and Falkirk, making over 130 appearances in all competitions.

And the 30-year-old says he has some treasured memories from his century of starts for the Wee County side.

Flannigan told Advertiser Sport: “I am proud to have reached one hundred starts. It’s a nice landmark to get to. It did creep up on me a bit because I only realised it would be my hundredth when someone told me about it last week. But I am pleased.

“I’ve loved my time at the club and still do love it here. There have been some great moments, like avoiding relegation in the playoffs, reaching a national cup final and beating Rangers, but I’ve also played with some great players.

"There have been a lot of good lads, and having a good dressing room has been key to us doing well over the last few years.

“That’s still the case this season. Everyone is still pulling in the same direction and it makes things a lot easier when it’s like that.”

Flannigan’s landmark appearance came as a severely depleted Alloa, who were later reduced to ten men, put in a gutsy display to come away with a point from their meeting with playoff rivals Arbroath.

However, the midfielder admitted he was happy with a share of the spoils, given the circumstances.

He added: “It was a decent result for us on Saturday although it wasn’t a great spectacle. The conditions weren’t great and we weren’t helped by having a number of players out.

“It wasn’t easy to play football. It was a case of rolling our sleeves up and really digging in for each other. We know we can do that which is a pleasing thing for us.

"We’ve got enough experience and team spirit to allow us to grind results together.

“We had a lot of big players out. Three or four boys all picked up injuries at the same time during the week.

"Garry Fleming actually injured his ankle with half an hour to go on Saturday as well and was hobbling about but that symbolises the spirit we’ve got that he was able to hang in there.

“All in all it was a good point when you take everything into consideration.”

Next up for Alloa is a trip to Stranraer in another clash which could prove vital in the race for the playoffs, and Flannigan is hopeful that the Wasps’ recent form can see them pick up another victory.

He added: “It will be another tough game. There are no easy games in this division, they are all competitive.

"It’s all about how you apply yourself on the day. We know it will be a challenge but it’s a game we’re really looking forward to.

"We’re in decent form just now so we’ll go down there looking to get a result.”