WEAVER NETS THE POINTS

Paul Weaver's first-ever Shire goal was enough to give the team a valuable three points in a narrow 1-0 win over Montrose at Ochilview.

The 62nd minute strike came at a time when Shire were struggling to make the all-important breakthrough against a stubborn set of opponents.

"It wasn't a great game but it was an important three points for us to gain," said coach Jim McInally afterwards.

"I thought defensively we did fine and there were some other decent performances but I  was starting to wonder where a goal would come from.

"It was fitting that Paul should score because I  thought he was our best performer on the day."

The coach never subscribed to the view that Montrose would be a soft touch and events proved him right.

"I watched them in midweek and saw they were better than their position in the league indicates and I  knew it would only be a matter of time before they got their break. I  was just hoping it wouldn't be against us.

"There was a strong wind and we had that in our faces in the first half. So when we got to half-time at nil-nil I knew we would have the advantage in the second period and I  started to worry less about Montrose winning, although it did look as though it would end goalless."

Whatever the circumstances of the win, Jim says that the points could turn out to be vital.

"It opens up a wee gap on the teams below us now," he said. "And we are three points nearer Livingston. We have an important run of matches in the next three weeks and that will go a long way to deciding whether we can keep up the challenge."

shireTV  spoke to Jim and goalscorer Paul Weaver. Watch the interviews by logging on to shireTV. Simply click the link on the main menu and follow the on-screen instructions.

Match highlights are now also on shireTV.