On further reflection from last Saturday’s goalless draw with Wycombe, manager Russ Wilcox has reiterated the fact it was a point gained.
The Iron were forced to see out a section of the game with ten men after Gary McSheffrey was forced off through injury with the side having already made all three changes. Coupled with the fact that Sean McAllister and Marcus Williams both suffered injuries and with rivals around them also drawing, a point was by no means a bad result – although the Scunthorpe manager will always strive for more.“Losing Gary (McSheffrey) and being down to ten men with 25 minutes to go showed everything about the group on Saturday,” Wilcox told The Iron Player.
“I wouldn’t say we hung on with ten men either, we probably created more chances. That’s credit to the group; I was very disappointed to pick up the injuries, but that’s football.”
He added: “We have got a squad of players who now have to step up to the mark and take their opportunity in the last six games.”
The last period of the game saw youngster Hakeeb Adelakun switch to right back, while strikers Sam Winnall and Paddy Madden occupied the respective wings. The adaptability of the squad pleased Wilcox, with them showing their desire to continue the fantastic run.
“I was really pleased with them,” he continued.
“Not on the football side, because it wasn’t a great game; it was a scrappy affair. Wycombe made it very difficult, but you’ve got to give them credit for that. The players just got on with it and we looked more likely to go on and win the game.
“I was disappointed we didn’t win it, I certainly think we did enough on set pieces to win the game. I don’t think we did enough in open play though – there wasn’t enough creativity of movement.”
He added: “We were a major threat from set pieces, such as corners and free kicks.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox, Matt Sparrow, Deon Burton and Michael Collins on The Iron Player.