WANDERERS boss Gareth Ainsworth said he was proud of the way Steven Craig responded to a difficult few days off the field to lead Blues to a much-needed victory.

Some sections of the Adams Park crowd booed the striker ahead of Saturday's kick-off after he voiced his concerns about Wanderers’ financial situation, with the squad late receiving bonus payments last week.

The Scotsman had also had to run the gauntlet of pre-match abuse on social media websites, but by the end those jeers had turned to cheers as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 2-0 win over Dagenham and Redbridge and put in an all-action display to inspire Blues to victory.

Ainsworth last week likened Craig to Braveheart, and the 32-year-old certainly gave a good impression of being on the warpath as he tore into the visiting defence.

His attempt to claim a loose ball from goalkeeper Chris Lewington provoked an extraordinary reaction from Scott Doe, who was dismissed after grabbing Craig around the throat.

Ainsworth said: “Stevie Craig is someone you want in your squad because he just works his socks off. There’s no airs or graces about Stevie, there’s no hidden problems, he is what you get. He’s willing to run the line and work so hard for the team.

“He doesn’t take any stick from anyone, he says it how it is and that’s Stevie. Sometimes those people are nice to deal with and you know what you’re going to get. He’s done well today.

“Stevie has been in the papers lately for reasons off the pitch and he’s stepped up, picked the ball up and slotted it home. It’s fantastic for him but great for the boys. We’re all proud of him today.”