Smallwood's family and friends toasted the moment he found the net in the 3-0 win over Cardiff City when he further highlighted why Tony Mowbray has handed him nine appearances since taking over.
But it has been during his three recent starts - all ending in Middlesbrough victories - when the 20-year-old has really shown he has the mentality and ability to become a key figure in Mowbray's long term plans.
Smallwood is expecting to be retained in the starting line-up for this Saturday's final fixture at home to Doncaster and hopes to sign off in style.
"My family weren't at Cardiff, but they had a party at home," said Smallwood, a prominent performer at the Cardiff City Stadium in front of the Sky Sports cameras. "They'll be there this weekend and it should be a really good day.
"Hopefully, it'll be a bit of a celebration because our form in the last month or two has been really good. We want one more win and a few more goals for the fans to cheer."
After such a depressing start to the season that left Middlesbrough fighting to stay out of the relegation zone, it is a mark of the turnaround under Mowbray that Boro find themselves three points off the top half.
The defeat at Burnley on April 19 was their only defeat in 11 matches ahead of the visit of Rovers, a period which has ensured Smallwood has enjoyed this season rather than hated it - like many fans.
"It's been surreal really. It's a really big thing to get my first goal," said Smallwood, born in the Dormanstown area of Middlesbrough.
"All my mates have been calling me saying, 'When are you going to get your first goal', and I'm obviously delighted it's now arrived. I told them I'd do my best, and I did. I've been trying to get forward and get in the box and thankfully, one came my way. To be fair, I think it was a pretty good finish. It's been a great few weeks, and the goal is probably the icing on the cake."
Understandably Smallwood's last few months are markedly different to 12 months ago when he recalls his "last couple of games were behind-closed-doors practice matches against York and Hartlepool".
While he has almost certainly forced his way in to Mowbray's thinking, he would rather the campaign kept going for a lot longer.
"I'm loving every minute of it and I don't really want the season to end," he said. "It's what I've always dreamed of doing. I suppose I wouldn't mind a little rest and hopefully I can come back fighting fit and be pushing for a place in the team again.
"We've come a long way in the last few weeks. We've only lost one in 11 and we definitely want to make that one out of 12 on the last day of the season. Hopefully, we can finish well and push on next season."
Smallwood looks certain to be one of the players still at the Riverside when pre-season begins in July, but Mowbray expects to move a number of players on as he looks to reduce the wage bill.
Striker Kris Boyd is one of those he is keen to move on and Nottingham Forest, where he has scored four goals in his last two games on loan, are keen to do a deal.
But a lot could rest on whether Forest, occupants of the fourth and final play-off spot, force their way in to the Premier League.
Forest boss Billy Davies said: "I don't think Kris will find his true sharpness until next season - but there is no doubt he will score goals.
"His fitness is still not where it could be. But to get him to that, we would need to get him through a pre-season. However, we also know strikers are all about scoring goals and that is exactly what he is doing."
* Seats are on general sale for Middlesbrough's final game of the season at home to Doncaster this Saturday (12.45pm).
Boro have scored 19 goals in their last eight games and Mowbray wants his players to end the season on a high with a fourth successive victory.
Prices for Boro Pride members start at just ?21 adults, ?14 over-65s and those aged 18-21, while all members aged under-18 pay just ?8.
General sale prices start at ?23 adults and ?16 over-65, with all under-18s paying ?13.
* Tickets are also on sale for the Gary Parkinson Benefit Match that takes place on Sunday, May 15 with a 4pm kick-off. A team of Boro stars will take on a Ramsdens Celebrity XI in the game, with tickets priced ?10 adults and just ?1 for under-16s.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo