Gartcairn boss Mick Dunlop fired a half-time rocket at his side - but that led to an 8-0 hammering of Rossvale that put them top of the West of Scotland League First Division.
Reegan Aitken had the Airdrie side 1-0 up at the interval, but Ben Harwood climbed off the bench to score four in the second half, with further strikes from Scott Stevenson, Josh Moore and Dan Kindlan.
Dunlop says his side have been threatening a big win for a while and says it could prove pivotal later on.
“I was much happier at full-time than I was at half-time, I can assure you of that,” he said, “but it was another important three points for us.
“We scored early in the first half, first or second minute, then had another great chance to go 2-0 right after it.
“Had we taken that I think we would have been more comfortable, but to be fair to Rossvale they had a few chances after that, our keeper has made two or three good saves.
“I spoke to the players at half-time, at the start of the second half I made a couple of changes, changed the formation a bit, and thankfully the guys who came on made a real positive impact, and in the end we scored a few goals.
“I didn’t think we would win 8-0, but a big win has been coming for a while.
“We had been winning games, playing well, and a comfortable win was coming, if the players were just able to lift the level a wee bit.
“I’m delighted with that, and in a league as tight as ours, you don’t know how critical goal difference could be, come the end.”
That sets up leaders Gartcairn for a clash against third-placed Blantyre Vics at MTC Park tonight (Wednesday), who also had a big win of their own.
Dunlop said: “We’ve moved to the top of the league there on Saturday with that result, which was great, but Blantyre also had a great result, they beat Drumchapel 5-2, so I’m sure their tails will be up and they’ll be looking forward to the game as well.
“It’s a big game for both teams but our home form is good, I think that’s five in all competitions and won the five of them.
“We want another three points on the board.”
Dunlop’s side follow that up with a West of Scotland Cup first round tie at Campbeltown Pupils on Saturday, which will give a chance for fringe players to impress.
“It’s a wee bit into the unknown,” said Dunlop.
“That will be interesting, it will maybe give us an opportunity to give a game to two or three guys who haven’t been playing.
“The games are coming thick and fast, especially with the midweek games, so the whole squad is important.
“I think we’re in a good spot just now, because everybody’s playing their part and contributing.”
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