Russell looking for goal flood after ending drought

Mark Russell is determined to hit the net on a more regular basis after scoring against Dumbarton on Saturday and ensure he doesn’t suffer another 18-month long drought.

The 20-year-old broke the deadlock against Sons with a fine solo run and swerving strike at the weekend to end Stevie Aitken’s side’s stubborn resistance and play a crucial role in his team claiming the three points.

However, it was his first goal since way back on 2 May 2015 when he netted against Peterhead in the League One title-clinching win, and he hopes he doesn’t have a similar wait to see his name back on the scoresheet.

Speaking exclusively to gmfc.net, he said: “I was delighted with the goal. It was my first of the season – and it’s actually been a while since I scored.

“The last time I scored was the day we won the league, when we beat Peterhead at Cappielow. I never scored at all last season.

“So it was a great feeling to get the goal. I knew as soon as I hit it that it was going in, the moment it left my foot. I had a similar chance just before it but caught the ground a wee bit with that one.

“I knew what I was going to do if I picked the ball up in that sort of area again and managed to do that and score with my second attempt.

“I don’t want to wait another year to score again, so hopefully I can add to it sooner rather that later!”

The Ton had been stifled by Dumbarton during the first half at the weekend, but Russell insisted he was always sure they would make the breakthrough.

He added: “I thought we did alright in the first half, enough just to edge it maybe, and they didn’t create many chances at our end.

“We came out in the second to try and go for it, and we knew it would come eventually. We were always confident with the way we were playing and went on to dominate the game.

“It was just a matter of getting that first goal and continuing it from there, and we managed to get the second goal. We were delighted with the result and performance. Dumbarton is a hard place to come.”

Russell was given a rare outing on the left-hand side of midfield against the Sons and he embraced a return to the position he turned out in at youth level.

He said: “I enjoyed being at left midfield. It gave me a wee bit of freedom. I could drift in and things like that – but whether it’s left-back or left midfield just as long as I’m playing, I’m happy.”

Images: David Bell