United manager Mark Robins was pleased how his side conducted themselves against Notts County’s first team, to come from behind to win 2-1.
The Iron line-up featured young prospects from the academy, with many putting on good performances – and second year apprentice Jack Dyche netting the winner at Meadow Lane.
“In spells, we gave a really good account of ourselves,” he told The Iron PlayerHD.
“Everybody put a good shift in. It was a scrappy game and the referee was very lenient with the tackles whereas next week in the league there would certainly have been a different level of punishment.
“It was a typical pre-season game, with a little bit added. It was a physical at times for the young lads that we have got. We had plenty of experience as well in Mirf (David Mirfin) and Joe (Anyon) and the back and Darius (Henderson), Sean McAllister and Gary McSheffrey in the side.
“We put Nate Sithole in the middle of the pitch, who is only 16, along with Jack Dyche and Noel Burdett. It is good experience for them in a good stadium and it gives them an experience of playing in front of a crowd. It was a decent experience for them.”
The Iron manager rotated his squad once more following a game just 48 hours prior and with a home match against Lincoln City to follow he highlighted the importance of recovery time in this crucial stage of pre-season.
“The players need game time,” he continued.
“You know when you come to a game like this and knowing there was a game tomorrow, we had to use it as an extra game and it gave some others to get a chance to play. With us having a game on Wednesday, it forced our hand a little bit as well, with little recovery time between the fixtures.
“It’s good practise. To win the game is great. We created some decent chances and their goalkeeper has made some really good saves. They’ve hit the post and Joe Anyon has made a few blocks.
“That was their first team and we had a sprinkling of players, with some from our academy, which I was delighted with. They showed a bit of promise in there. Young Nate came on and looked likely and got straight in.
Darius Henderson netted his first goal in claret and blue to bring the two teams level, with Mark happy with his 70 minute contribution since joining just over a week prior to the fixture.
“I’m pleased for him,” he stated.
“When you’re a striker, you want to get on the scoresheet and he has done that. Jack Dyche slid the other one in and it was good match practise and it was a difficult team considering the balance of the teams, but we handled it quite well.”