MATCHWINNER Alan Connell was full of praise for boss Paolo Di Canio’s professionalism after scoring the only goal of the game in Town’s 1-0 victory over Plymouth on Saturday.

Connell pounced to fire home following good work from Luke Rooney to keep the ball in play, and after scoring ran straight to the bench along with the rest of the team to celebrate with Di Canio following the death of his mother on Friday night.

The striker knows how his manager is feeling after losing his own mother three years ago, and could not speak any higher of the way the Italian has handled the situation.

“We knew on Thursday that he had gone over to Italy to see his mum, and that she was close to passing away, and I have been there myself three years and it is the worst time of anyone’s life,” he said.

“When we scored we celebrated together as a squad and with the manager. He was very emotional and all of our thoughts are with him and his family.

“I understand what he is going through, and it is difficult and I think of my mum often, so this brings it back for me.

“But I have never seen dedication like it and it is 24/7 with him, and that is why we are where we are in the league.

“But I think he realises now that he needs to go home and be with the family and all our thoughts are with him.”

Connell took a knock to his head following an accidental collision just before slotting home the winner, but vividly remember’s his shot hitting the back of the net.

“It hurt a bit and it still does, but I remember everything well and it was brilliant to score,” he said.

“It all happened so quickly. Luke Rooney did well to keep the ball in between two defenders, and I turned and hit it with my right foot and it went into the far corner.

“The feeling was elation and was incredible, and to score the goal which moves us closer to promotion was great for me, my family, and everyone at the club.

“It is a massive win for us, but it was a bit surreal at the final whistle because we were not sure of the other results.

“It wasn’t quite to be, but we know we are virtually there now.”