Josh Sheehan admits his weekend match-winner was another major milestone on his successful journey back as he aims to help keep Wanderers looking up.
Sheehan’s classy strike against Port Vale on Saturday also completed a key comeback for the Whites as a 2-1 victory made it six successive home wins for Ian Evatt’s men.
The goal – expertly steered into the corner of the net from 20 yards – was Sheehan’s first since suffering a serious knee injury which ended his 2021/22 campaign in mid-season.
The midfielder returned to action at the end of August at the start of Wanderers’ run to Wembley in the Papa John’s Trophy.
And on his fifth League One start of the current campaign, the Wales international rediscovered the route to goal.
“It’s been in my mind since I’ve been back. I wanted to get that first goal kind of out of the way,” said Sheehan, who has made a total of 22 appearances for the Whites this season as he worked his way back to full fitness.
“I was buzzing to score the winner. That makes it even better, to get the winner and get the three points.
“It was a big thing for me, mentally. It was important for me and for the team for the three points.
“We didn’t play at our best game but the main thing, especially at this time of the season, is winning, regardless if you’ve played well or not and we found a way to win, which is positive.”
Wanderers’ victory over Port Vale means they go to Portsmouth on Tuesday night with the chance to move back up to third place in the table.
Victory at Fratton Park would also round off a tremendous month which has seen the Whites win five of their six games so in February.
And Sheehan is relishing the prospect of more big games in Wanderers’ quest to keep up with the promotion pace.
“That’s what you want to do as a footballer,” added the play-maker, whose welcome return has added to competition for places in Wanderers’ well-stocked midfield department.
“When it comes to the business end of the season you want to be playing for something, when points mean a lot more because you know how significant those wins can be – for the fans as well. We want to keep them with us.
“It’s been a very good month, with the bonus of getting to Wembley, and in the league, we’ve been solid as well.
“We’ve won a lot of games. The boys have put in some good performances – obviously with the two 5-0 wins.
“If we could end on a high that would be good and then we start March when there’s not that many games which could really lead us into a busy end of the season.”