IT may have been a long time coming – but it was certainly well worth the wait.
Ross Hannah's spectacular volley in the Mariners' 2-1 win over Stockport on Monday was the striker's first goal since before Christmas.
The 26-year-old hopes the confidence boost of ending that three-month wait could set him up for a goal rush towards the end of the season as he and the Mariners look to consolidate their position in the play-offs.
That mission continues in tonight's game at Macclesfield (7.45pm). And after finally getting off the mark, the former Matlock man now has the Silkmen firmly in his sights.
Speaking to the Telegraph, ahead of the clash at Moss Rose, he said: "I go into every game wanting to score but as games pass you by and it builds up, you do start to wonder where your next goal is coming from but you've just got to keep going and putting yourself in the right areas.
"That's what I've been doing and against Stockport, it paid off.
"Words can't describe what that goal meant to me and how I felt after scoring it.
"To score a goal like that as well meant that it was almost worth the wait in the end!
"It was more instinct than anything because I didn't really have time to think about it.
"I had a defender near me and it just sat up nicely for me to hit it first time which I did and thankfully it's flown in the top corner."
The relief at ending his drought was there for all to see during Hannah's exuberant celebrations in the aftermath of his wonder-goal at Edgeley Park.
After watching the ball fly over former Town loanee Richard O'Donnell, the frontman sprinted over to the dugout to celebrate with Town's joint managers.
And he revealed that it was a way of thanking Rob Scott and Paul Hurst for keeping faith with him during his goal drought.
He added: "The gaffers had a word with me before the game at Stockport and said that they had faith in me and felt that a goal was just around the corner.
"So when I scored, I didn't have time to think about it, I just ran over to them to say a little thank you."
He continued: "I think all strikers are confidence players and that goal is just what I needed –it will set me up nicely for the games that we have left.
"But it's not about me though – the most important thing was the win. To go to Stockport and get the win was massive.
"We've stopped the rot now and we can push on – starting tonight at Macclesfield – and go on to have a winning run through to the end of the season."
