Scunthorpe United FC

A 1-0 victory over Port Vale at Glanford Park takes the Iron's late play-off push to the final day of the season, with only goal difference now separating Scunthorpe and Barnsley for the final play-off place. 

"It was brilliant today," he told The Iron PlayerHD.

"It was our objective during the week to make sure that we did enough today to take it to the final day and we've done that.

"We had to grind it out and they carried their threats, but in the second half we swung it in our favour and got the goal which proved to be the difference."

Paddy Madden's 22nd goal of the campaign came just after the hour mark as he headed in a cross from fellow Irishman Stephen Dawson in front of the Britcon Stand, with the referee playing an astute advantage in the build-up to the goal on the right-hand-side.

"It was the right decision (to play the advantage)," he continued.

"Stephen Dawson made a fantastic run, driving forward and, not only that, provided a fantastic ball into the box. Paddy did what he does best and stuck the ball in the back of the net and it was a fantastic header.

"It was great reward for Paddy for the work he's put in in the last few games without scoring. More than anything, he wants to win and he's scored the goal that has won the game.

"With a big crowd, big players produce the goods and he did that today. It's another clean sheet as well, which is a great quality to have."

Another clean sheet tallies the Iron to 20 in all competitions this season and it was yet another defensive performance from the team to be proud of, again throwing bodies on the line to help preserve the three points.

"Port Vale have got their threats and have scored quite a few goals in the last few games," he continued.

"We handled them reasonably well and when they did get their chances, either Luke (Daniels) was there or one of the defenders threw their body on the line which is brilliant. You need the quality at both ends and we've got that and I'm really pleased for those boys."

7,275 arrived at Glanford Park after reduced ticket prices, with Alexander paying tribute to the Iron faithful who provided an atmosphere to boost the players in the second half.

"They definitely helped us," he stated.

"We knew we had to provide a performance of commitment. Supporters want to see that from the players and we definitely gave them that. Supporters want to see us win and we gave them that as well and with more fans here at Glanford Park, we can create a force and that definitely helped the boys in the second half.

"Hopefully we've done enough to keep them involved and keep them excited going into the game at Bramall Lane."

Alexander added, after Neal Bishop missed out in the matchday squad: "Bish got a slight calf injury during the week and was touch-and-go for today."

See much more from Graham Alexander, Paddy Madden and Jamie Ness on The Iron PlayerHD.

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