Old Dog Still Knows The Old Tricks

Last updated : 18 May 2015 By ed_ScottishFitba

C:WindowsTempphp61EF.tmpThe investment made by Alloa to bring Michael Chopra to the club has paid off as they secured their Championship status with a 4-3 aggregate win over Forfar. Chopra was delighted he was able to deliver the goods after helping Alloa overcome a two-goal deficit from the first leg. The former Newcastle and Sunderland striker scored the opener in a dramatic 3-0 win at Recreation Park as the Clackmannanshire side retained their Scottish Championship status for next season. It was Chopra’s third goal in four game and he was pleased he could repay the faith the club showed in him after joining them following a stint with Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.

Speaking after the game Chopra said: "It’s an absolutely amazing feeling. All the play-offs and finals I’ve been involved this is the first time I’ve been on the winning side so it means a lot to me. But the most important thing is that when I was asked to come to the club, they asked me to try and help keep them in the league and do my best for them and I’ve managed to do that. That’s been more pleasing than anything else. They asked me to come in and do a job and I’ve managed to do it. It’s definitely even sweeter after we lost in the Petrofac Training Cup final and you can see in the last few games I’ve helped the club so much. A lot of the players have said that I come alive in the big games, and they don’t just mean big games for Alloa, they mean big games wherever I’ve played. I’ve always managed to score in big games and I’ve managed to do it again today."

Chopra’s goal came on the stroke of half-time and he felt the timing of the goal was key to Alloa winning as they sealed a famous win despite finishing the game with 10 men. Chopra went on: "It was tough going down to 10 men but credit to the lads. We managed to dig in and work hard but I think my goal just before half-time was important because it gave us a boost going into the changing room.  We managed to pull off a shock because to come from 3-1 down in the first leg to win 4-3 is pretty incredible. I’ve had a brilliant time at Alloa, right from the time I got on the bus to play against Rangers (on my debut). All the lads have made me feel so welcome and I’ve given 100 per cent since I came here. Nobody can take that away."