United’s record breaking manager Russ Wilcox believes his latest match in charge of the first team was his toughest to date.
The Iron drew 0-0 with Wycombe Wanderers who arrived at Glanford Park battling to ensure their survival at the bottom of League Two and their tactics worked as they frustrated United all game.
During his post match press conference Wilcox told The Iron Player: “I think it was my toughest game in charge.
“There was a bit of everything in there apart from a bit of quality in the end."
“It was a mentally draining day but I am so delighted again as we now have four clean sheets on the bounce,” he continued.
“It is another point on the board for us and the other results have been kind to us as well this weekend.
The United boss added: “I am fairly happy with everything from today apart from the three injuries that we have picked up.”
The Iron now have a free week to fully recover and recuperate following Saturday’s tough test and before they make the 298 mile journey south to Torquay.
Wilcox has given his players Monday off for extra recovery while they shall all report for training as usual on Tuesday morning.
“It’s nice that we now have a full week to rest ahead of next Saturday’s trip to Torquay,” Wilcox said.
“Obviously we now have some bumps and bruises, which we have previously spoken about.
“We will brush ourselves down and get ready to go again.
“We have a lot of quality in this squad and that is what it’s all about. We might have lost a few key players but that will now give other players the opportunity to come back into a team that is in great form and pushing for promotion."
He added: “I have to spin that into a positive, obviously we are a little deflated due to the injuries that we have picked up but again, we will respond appropriately and move on to Torquay.”
United have picked up a trio of injuries just two days after the loan window closed, a period that Wilcox chose not to bring in any new fresh faces – as he has a wealth of talent available from other players who are currently on loan away from the club.
Michael Collins and Andrew Boyce are at AFC Wimbledon and Grimsby Town respectively and they can both play in the midfield role which has been occupied by McAllister for the duration of the season, while Connor Jennings and Matt Godden also remain out on loan at Skill Premier sides Grimsby and Tamworth.
“Fortunately I have the four players out on loan that I can call upon at any time. But again, you don’t want injuries on any players but especially Sean and Gary as they have been key influential players since they have been at the club,” Wilcox continued.
“Sean has been absolutely outstanding all season so he will be a big loss and then you have McSheffrey’s delivery from set pieces is second to none.
“However, we have quality to come in. They’ll be chomping at the bit so they all have to set up to the plate again.”
Wilcox used all three of his substitutes by the hour mark prior to McSheffrey coming off injured.
The United boss said he wasn’t going to alter change to a defensive manager just because the game wasn’t panning out as expected – he wanted to remain known for his attacking style of football.
“I gambled because that is what I have done from day one,” Wilcox said.
“I like to be an offensive manager rather than a defensive manager.
“I got the three strikers on there and Marcus was obviously struggling so I thought I would change the shape a little bit.
“I wanted to get Paul Hayes into the space, but the only thing was there wasn’t any space out there for him on Saturday.”
He added: “The way they set up on Saturday meant it was a difficult for us. It was a frustrating day but the pleasing thing is that we got a point when we weren’t at our best.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox, Eddie Nolan and Dave Syers on The Iron Player.