United manager Mark Robins was pleased with the response and then resilience from his players as they beat Barnsley 2-1 on Saturday.
The Iron had gone a goal down against the run of play, but levelled the scores less than a minute later and then taking the lead deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half – both of which were netted by Paddy Madden.The victory made it six away games without defeat for Scunthorpe in all competitions following their month of away fixtures and also ended a torrid run of 55 years without a win at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium.
“It’s a great result for us,” he said, speaking following the game.
“I like Barnsley this season. They’ve got some good players and they’ve recruited very well and they’re always hard to beat, especially at home and for Scunthorpe in the past I believe.
“I thought we went a goal down probably against the run of play, even though that Barnsley had quite a bit of the possession. They didn’t create too many things against us throughout the game and we had the better chances and we took them."
He added: “The goal quickly after they had scored from Paddy set the tone for us and the second goal was good enough to win any game.”
Robins spoke on the character of the players following going a goal down to restoring parity in less than sixty seconds.
“To go a goal down, it’s very important to get a foothold back into the game,” he continued.
“It was a relief more than anything to see the ball go into the back of the net. It was a great finish from Paddy and there was never really any doubt when it fell to him. We worked hard for our chances and we worked hard for the ball."
He added: “I thought we were really good value for the three points today.”
From going a goal down, United quickly mounted an attack with Gary McSheffrey down the right, with his deflected shot parried by Ross Turnbull into the path of the Irish striker, who couldn’t miss as he volleyed the ball into the net.
His second goal was an individual one – and a contender for goal of the season as he picked up the ball near to the half way line before driving at the Tykes’ defence and stabbing home a low shot from the edge of the area.
“It was a terrific goal,” he said.
“I expect him to score in those positions anyway, he’s a good finisher. He puts a lot of pressure on himself, which strikers tend to do. He’s already a proven goalscorer at this level for Yeovil and he’s a real handful for the opposition.
“That will give him a great deal of confidence and I’m asking him to do a job for me; I’m asking him to do me a favour."
He added: “He does that brilliantly, because his work rate is absolutely phenomenal.”
See much more from Mark Robins, Paddy Madden and Terry Hawkridge on The Iron Player.