May stays with Alloa

Hamish Hutchinson • Published 26 Jan 2012 08:00 0 Comments

Share this

click to enlarge
Stevie May will boost Alloa's title hopes.

PROLIFIC goalscorer Stevie May will remain at Alloa Athletic until the end of the season.

Wasps manager Paul Hartley confirmed that he had agreed an extension to the 19-year-old's loan deal with St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas.

It will be a big boost to the club which consolidated its position at the top of the table at the weekend.

Since coming to Recreation Park, May has made a huge impact on Alloa's promotion prospects.

Indeed he has netted seven goals within the space of six games and now sits as the club's second highest goalscorer behind striker Kevin Cawley.

Hartley praised the youngster after the Stranraer win.

He said, "The players deserve a lot of credit, it was a real team performance, wonderful to watch, great work ethic in my team, but we need to keep going. The goal at the start of the second half by Stevie Masterton was a touch of class and really killed off Stranraer, and Stevie May's second goal was the icing on the cake.

"Stevie has scored seven goals in his last six games for the club and that is why he is here.

"We are delighted we have got him - thanks to St Johnstone - and hopefully his period here will give him great confidence when he goes back at the end of the season.

"He is a young lad, he is still only 19, but strikes a lovely ball. Stevie and Kevin Cawley up front are a handful for anybody."

However defender Kevin McHattie, who had been on loan from Premier League side Hearts for the past month, is heading back to Tynecastle.

Hartley continued, "It's a pity he is going back to Hearts because he has been terrific for me since he has been here but it will give someone else the opportunity to come in and fill that slot.

The win at Stair Park keeps Alloa on top, four points clear of Stranraer and with a game in hand.

Annan have dropped to fourth after Queen's Park leapfrogged the former league leaders following their 3-2 win at the weekend. Alloa will face Queen's next week.

Before that the Wasps are preparing for a league double.

First up is Montrose on Saturday at Recreation Park before they again host league competition, this time against Peterhead on Tuesday.

Hartley said, "We are in a good position. Stranraer, Annan and Queens Park are all still real threats so we will not get complacent that is for sure.

"We do have a game in hand against Peterhead but you still have to win them. It's still a long, long way to go but we are enjoying it."

This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 25 Jan 12

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser Poll

When should the independence referendum be held in Scotland?

This Poll is now closed.

Within 18 months, as stipulated by the UK Government (30.2%)

Autumn 2014, as announced by Alex Salmond (52.8%)

Never (17.0%)

Follow @alloatiser