Aaron Collins might not have celebrated his goal against Bristol Rovers – but the Welshman was delighted to help Wanderers secure another crucial three points in the play-off race.
Collins nodded home Gethin Jones’ cross 14 minutes from time as Steven Schumacher’s side made it back-to-back wins.
The Welshman’s lack of celebration was down to his “respect” for Rovers and their fanbase, having spent two-and-a-half years at the Memorial Stadium before heading up North.
“I was obviously there for a long period of time, I had two and a half very good seasons there and I respect the fans a lot so no celebration,” he said. “But I celebrated at the end with our fans.
“That is the main thing, we got three points and I managed to get the goal. I know how much it means to these fans. We kept the clean sheet and Nathan (Baxter) made a great save to keep it at 1-0.
“I don't think we created a load, I don’t think we let them create a load. It was very similar to Tuesday, less of a fight but at the end of the day, we have just got to look at the positives now and move on to the next. If we keep clean sheets, we will win games."
The 27-year-old is comfortable playing in a number of roles across the frontline but was utilised as a classic number nine against the Gas.
Collins had to be patient at times but when the chance came from Jones' pinpoint delivery, he made no mistake with a clinical header for his 18th goal of the season.
“My main aim was just stay central to the goal and make sure I'm in a position that, when that ball comes in, I can put it in the back of the net,” he explained.
“I had one which was offside and then the volley which (Jed Ward) made a good save, but I was just making sure I was in the frame of the goal and there to score.
“It took 75 minutes, but Geth put a lovely ball in and I just made sure I headed it down on the target and thankfully I got the goal.
“The manager is changing formation most games, changing positional play. I played on the right wing on Tuesday, at Blackpool I played in the 10.
“Throughout my career, I can vary up my positional play but I have got to make sure I do the role where I am playing.
“Today, it was just making sure that I was that number nine to be in the box to score the goal and thankfully I did.”
Another major positive was Kyle Dempsey’s return following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
“He brings a lot of intensity and the fans enjoyed having him back,” said Collins. “He came on and made a difference.
“It is good to have him back in the team and hopefully he can play a big part now going into the last six games, and then hopefully more from him.”
