HAVING got his first goal in a year Andy Williams was keen to give thanks to the people that helped him get back on the pitch after his dark period out injured.

As he ran off to celebrate his equaliser just before half-time at Priestfield on Tuesday Williams remembered to thank those who nursed him through the cruciate ligament injury that ended his season last term – physio Paul Godfrey and fitness coach Michael Cooper.

The 28-year-old reserved special praise for the pair in his post-match interview as well.

“The fact that the people who have been so close to me over the last nine months have got me back both mentally and physically fit is the most important thing for me,” said Williams.

“I went to the physio (Paul Godfrey) and the fitness coach Mike (Cooper) and all of them of them on the bench have been good with me (when I scored). Those two especially have been working so close with me every day and helping me stay sane while I’ve not been able to kick a ball.

“I’ve been having to watch the lads running round their training sessions and watching the football matches and trying not to pull my own hair out, but thankfully it’s all been worth it for today.”