United manager Mark Robins believes there is a growing sense of belief among the Iron ranks following their 2-1 victory over Rochdale United at Glanford Park on Boxing Day.
The home side took the lead just before the hour-mark courtesy of Liam O’Neil’s first senior goal, with the West Brom loanee being superbly set up by Richard Brindley.That goal demonstrated the confidence of the United squad according to Robins, who told The Iron Player: “I thought we broke well, and when Richard got the ball he’d been in that position once or twice and it had come to nothing.
“This time he got his head up and picked the perfect ball, which is a great cut-back for Liam to run onto. Liam has timed his run perfectly, and it’s a really nicely struck shot into the corner which was just the tonic for us.
“It can be frustrating for the watchers, and for Richard it’s no different from anybody else; it’s just that belief. He’s got the ability, and he shows that.”
Although Rochdale equalised through Matty Done 11 minutes after O’Neil’s opener, the hosts secured all three points with 13 minutes remaining when Paddy Madden notched his 11th goal of the campaign.
Robins is eager for his team to continue putting teams to the sword in such fashion, and added: “We’ve got to stick the knife in and really hammer home that advantage.
“We’ve said at the end of the game it’s a great result but we need to make sure we’ve got that quality and belief in the final third when it really matters. We were unlucky not to get a third from the free-kick with Miguel [Llera], which I thought was in for a split-second.
“I can’t complain though. It’s another terrific three points.”
See much more from Mark Robins, Liam O'Neil and Paddy Madden on The Iron Player.