United’s youth team ended a run of consecutive wins after losing to Notts County 4-0 on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite performing well throughout, it was County who edged the tie with three goals in the second half to condemn the Iron’s youngsters to defeat following their impressive win against the league leaders on Saturday.United had numerous chances throughout the game too, but for whatever reason they failed to find the net.
County netted the first goal on the half hour mark, following chances from the Iron to go in front – Noel Burdett missing the pick of the chances for the hosts. However, it was Charlie Cleminshaw guilty of a trip in the box, giving County the chance to break the deadlock. They made no mistake either, putting the ball to Weaver’s right.
It was a deserved lead for them going in at the break, while United had also created further chances through their usual outlets.
Ten minutes after half time, Notts County doubled their advantage when a through ball beat the Iron’s defence, leaving the onrushing striker to slot the ball past Weaver in goal.
Soon after the goal, coach Paul Harsley introduced Zac Cowling in place of Reece Mosanya in an attempt to retrieve something for the game. That left United particularly vulnerable to the counter attack.
Scunthorpe had chances to half the deficit, but it was while on the attack that United conceded their third goal.
County stole the ball in the middle of the park and quickly led the counter attack. That resulted in them being able to beat Weaver, while the rout was complete late into the tie from a corner. The ball was only partially cleared, with a right footed shot sent past the goalkeeper to seal the win which leaves the side in third place behind Bradford and Doncaster.
Following the game, Paul Harsley said: “I cannot fault the effort of the players. For many of them it was their fourth game in ten days and I was proud of their commitment to the match.”
“We worked really hard and had to change things to try and get back into the game and left us vulnerable at the back, something we had to do to try and get goals.”
He added: “The lads will stay positive in defeat and bounce back in our last three games of the season.”
The youth team are next in action a week on Saturday (April 5), taking on Chesterfield away from home. It will be three games in a week for the United youngsters to finish the season; with Hull (April 8) and Doncaster (April 12) to follow.
IRON: Weaver, Cleminshaw, Smythe, Purdue, Hare, Hood, Bateson, Sutton, Wootton, Burdett, Mosanya (Cowling 58).
SUBS: Oliver-Stothard, Hawley, Bedford.