ALLOA returned to winning ways at the weekend with a 1-0 victory over Peterhead.

Conor Sammon's first-half strike was enough to secure the three points for the Wasps who bounced back after their defeat to Airdrieonians the previous weekend.

Manager Brian Rice told Advertiser Sport: "It was a big game for us [on Saturday]. We felt as though we let ourselves down last weekend.

"It was really unlike us and Saturday was a big game to keep ourselves in there. We're in a half-decent position and we need to keep the pressure on the teams above us and we did that.

"Peterhead dug in, they're fighting for their lives. If we were in that position we'd be the same, we'd be hanging in and scrapping and that's exactly what they did.

"I said to the boys [before the match] the most important thing is the three points, how we get them is irrelevant. We'd like to play great and score a lot of goals but to get the three points was the most important thing."

Rice was also delighted to see Mark Durnan return to the starting line-up and get 60 minutes. Recent recruit Quinn Coulson also played, as did Luke Strachan.

"Strachan's been what I thought he would be," Rice continued. "Nice and steady. He gives us good balance on the left and a few assists, goals and a good delivery. He's fitted in really well.

"Young Coulson's came in and he's surprised me, how well he's done, to be fair. I've seen a bit of him, he's been in training with us but he's went in there, grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and he's had a right go, trying to keep himself in the team so he can be really pleased with his 60 minutes."

The Wasps are still dealing with a mounting injury list.

Rice continued: "Brad [Rodden] could be another four weeks; the goalkeeper we brought in [Scott Gallagher], he broke a bone in his elbow. He could be four to six weeks so we'll look for cover.

"Luke Donnelly missed Saturday after taking a knock through the week. Kevin Cawley was missing; David Devine was missing; Paul McLaren was missing; Steven Buchanan pulled his hamstring last week.

"So, we were seven bodies down on Saturday – great credit to the lads for digging it out."

Sammon's goal continued what his been a fine scoring season for him and Rice praised his constant endeavour.

He said: "[I'm] delighted to see him get his goal because he works ever so hard for us.

"He misses a couple but then he pops up and scores a couple. He's done that all his career.

"He's enjoying his football, enjoying playing every week, and he's a big part of it for us."

The Wasps host Falkirk tomorrow night before heading across Forth Valley to face the Bairns again on Saturday, February 18.