ROBBIE Cole says scoring Kelty Hearts’ late winner against Stirling was an “amazing feeling” after a lengthy spell out through injury.
The 23-year-old came off the bench to head home the decisive goal in Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 victory at New Central Park, securing the Maroon Machine’s first league win of the season.
Cole had missed around 10 months of football through injury before returning to the matchday squad against Forfar Athletic last week, where he played 20 minutes.
He admitted the moment was particularly special after his time on the sidelines.
He said: “It’s an amazing feeling, especially being out for so long.
“It’s just good to get back on the scoresheet after 10 months out. Coming back and scoring that goal late on as well, it’s just a great feeling.”
The forward was introduced for Kallum Higginbotham in the 71st minute, with the home side holding a 2-0 advantage.
However, Jordan Allan pulled one back from the penalty spot before Russell McLean levelled for the Binos.
Cole then proved the match-winner in the 88th minute.
The Kelty number 11 revealed manager Tam O’Ware had urged him to make an impact when he was brought on.
He said: “It was just obviously to stretch the game and do what I can do, because he knows what I bring to the team.
“Just try and get a wee goal - and obviously that’s what I’ve done, which is positive.”
O’Ware was delighted for the forward and revealed he had backed Cole to return to his best despite the player’s injury record.
The Kelty boss said: “I’m so buzzing for Robbie. I know how long it’s been.
“I’ve put my neck on the line to have him back, despite his injury history, because I know how special he could be.”
Cole is now focused on building his fitness and earning regular minutes as he looks to rediscover the form he showed before his injury problems.
He added: “It’s just building up the minutes week in, week out and eventually I’ll be back to where I was before the injury.
“That’s obviously the main goal. I just need to focus on building up the fitness and get back to where I was.”
The 23-year-old was also pleased with the way the hosts responded after Stirling’s second-half comeback in what was a scrappy affair..
He said: “It was intense. End-to-end games like that, it’s always going to be hard coming on as a sub, but you’ve just got to keep at it and eventually you’ll get your chance.
“It was good from the lads. We didn’t put our heads down or drop that belief, we just kept going and got the winner.”
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