Ballymena United manager Oran Kearney said he "wouldn't like to play against" striker Igor Rutkowski after he netted twice during their 2-0 victory over Crusaders at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
After a goalless first half, Rutkowski scored two goals after the restart to seal the three crucial points for the home side.
The striker has made an instant impact since joining the side from Armagh City in January and has majorly helped Kearney's options in attack as the side aim to pull away from the relegation battle.
"Strikers are judged on goals and I think his overall play, I wouldn't like to play against him" Kearney told BBC Sport NI.
"His work rate, his honesty and how he plays on the ball and off the ball for the boys is fantastic and he deserves the goals.
"He has had a good start; there are parts of the game we are still improving on."
Now, the Sky Blues sit in tenth, three points clear of Crusaders who occupy the relegation play-off position.
"I think everything you would want to on a night like this," Kearney continued.
"Nights like this can be edgy and tough. It has been a tough run for both clubs. For us, it was about showing that good mentality.
"We got goals at a good time and we have maintained a clean sheet which is really important and I am just happy to get the three points."
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell said his side need to "wake up" after the result which means that the side are now without a win in their last six games.
"They didn't turn up, not good enough in terms of what is at stake during the match," Caddell told BBC Sport NI.
"They have to wake up going forward."