Nicky Clark equalled Jimmy Rutherford`s 81 year-old record of 41 goals in a season as Queen of the South wrapped up the 2012/13 season with a 1-0 victory at Albion Rovers.
Cliftonhill saw it`s biggest crowd of the season as hundreds of Doonhamers crammed in to see their heroes extend the highest points total to a record 92 points after the 29th league win of the season.
There were plenty of chances in the game as Queens signed off with a good display although it was clear that Nicky Clark`s opportunity to break Rutherford`s record was on everyone`s mind.
The striker was foiled on more than one occasion by some excellent goalkeeping from Albion`s Graeme Shepherd but it was on 70 minutes that he finally bagged his goal. Clark had Ryan McGuffie to thank though as the full-back strode forward to find himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but elected to pass rather than shoot and Clark had the time to take a touch before finding the net.
Nicky Clark said: “I was gutted but I can`t really be gutted after scoring 41 goals in a season so I`m delighted.
“All the boys were taking their time with corners and stuff but I was telling them to hurry up! It wasn’t to be, a few good saves from the goalie and few last-ditch blocks from their defenders but 41 goals I`ll take that.
“Ryan [McGuffie] was brilliant, he put it on a plate for me but even the other boys like Derek Lyle and Kevin Smith were trying to set me up all day. The boys have been brilliant all season and it showed today.”
Manager Allan Johnston was full of praise for his striker: “You could see the boys were desperate to help Nicky beat that record and it`s a great achievement to equal it.
“It`s hard to get motivated when you`ve won the league and we beat the points record last week as well but you can see the attitude they’ve got, they kept on going. Their goalie had a couple of good saves and it was just a matter of time before we got the first goal. Once it came I think we were in total control of the game.
“It was a great way to finish the season and the boys deserve every bit of credit going because the consistency they`ve shown this year and the level of performance has been brilliant. I`m delighted for them.”
Following his remarkable scoring form this season Nicky Clark has attracted a fair bit of interest from other managers including Rangers manager Ally McCoist.
“I don’t know what’s happening yet, there`s a few things here and there so hopefully I`ll get something done over the next couple of weeks. My next move is probably going to be a big step in my career, whatever I decide to do.
“I`ve had an offer from Queens, it`s a great offer as well. I’ll have to consider my options and decide what`s best for me.”
Nicky finally gets off the pitch with the well wishes if al the Queens fans