Greg Rutherford reckons it’s only a matter of time before Arbroath pull away from the bottom of League Two.
The striker netted the equaliser as the dominant Red Lichties fought back from 2-0 down to claim a well-deserved draw away to leaders Annan.
The result moved them off the bottom of the division on goal difference from Berwick.
Boss Todd Lumsden claimed the Gayfield men should have won 8-2 at Galabank, and Rutherford believes the strong display shows they won’t be near the foot of the pile for much longer.
He said: “It was a one-sided game, especially in the second half. The lads put in a fantastic shift but we could easily have taken three points. It’s a huge positive for the weeks to come, so hopefully it kickstarts us.
“We couldn’t believe we were 2-0 down but we never gave up. It could have been three or four in the end. It gives us hope that we’re able to play like that against the league leaders. We’re not a bottom-of-the-league side.”
Annan led through goals from Peter Weatherson and Smart Osadolor but were pegged back by Bobby Linn and Rutherford.
The former Alloa hitman believes he is now properly back in business after netting in his first start since being struck down by illness six months ago.
He said: “I had a really bad illness in May that took a lot out of me so it was great for me to play my first 90 since then.
“My immune system completely shut down. It was a real shock for me but they think it comes from not having enough recovery in between training and games,” he said.
“I got out of hospital after three weeks and I got my base fitness back around August but I only signed for Arbroath last month.
“It’s great to know I’ve finally got my fitness back, so hopefully more goals will come in the next few weeks. I’d never had an illness of any kind before that but I’ve just got to make sure I look after myself at all times.”