Further to his initial post-match reaction, manager Russ Wilcox praised Morecambe’s endeavour in the second half as the Iron were pegged back.
Nevertheless, Scunthorpe still have the longest unbeaten away run in the whole of Europe and further extended their overall unbeaten run to 27 matches – continuing a World Record set by Wilcox.“Morecambe were on top in the last section of the game,” Wilcox told The Iron Player.
“They need credit for that. Sam has made some world class saves in there as well; one from a free kick where he’s seen it very late and he’s kept us in there.
"You’d have to say that Morecambe deserved their equaliser in the end, but it’s still disappointing because you have to forget whatever has happened in the 94 minutes previous. It becomes a two minute game and you have to focus on that.
“It’s a good bit of skill and a good ball. It’s got in between us and Sam couldn’t get across. It’s disappointing and this one is probably more disappointing that the ones that have gone before, because we’re getting so close to our goal.”
He added: “To lose two points in the manner that we did – with 95 minutes on the clock when the game should be over – we should be celebrating with our fans.”
Scunthorpe, nevertheless, started the game brightly and went in front via Sam Winnall’s header from a inch perfect ball from Paddy Madden on the right hand side. It was the league’s leading scorer’s 23rd of the season.
Great build-up play contributed to the goal, with the passages of play in the first half particularly pleasing Wilcox.
“I think we managed the first 15 minutes really well,” he continued.
“We knew what to expect. It was similar to the Torquay scenario, with this side also fighting for their Football League status. It’s small margins in this league and there’s not a lot between the top and the bottom.
“More credit has to go to the players for that, to go 27 games without a defeat when there are such small margins between the sides in every single game. The division is so competitive; it’s untrue and we’re the side that has been so consistent. We managed that first period and got a really good foothold of the game.
“The goal was outstanding. A great move down our right, a great ball from Paddy and a great header from Sam. We have to remember the positives about this. Sam has 23 goals, he’s the leading scorer, we’re 27 unbeaten and 15 unbeaten away from home. On top of that, we’ve got a goalkeeper that’s made some outstanding saves and we’ve kept numerous amounts of clean sheets.”
He added: “There’s lots of positivity, but I’m not going to hide away from the fact I’m really disappointed because we are so close.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox, Sam Winnall and Matt Sparrow on The Iron Player.