Mark Robins says the Iron were unlucky not to claim all three points in the 1-1 draw with Bradford City on Tuesday.
United took a first-half lead when Gary McSheffrey broke the deadlock before Billy Clarke’s well-taken leveller in the second period rescued Parkinson’s men a point.“I am almost pleased - we played okay,” Robins reflected to The Iron Player.
“In the first half we were good, the second we were okay.
“I was pleased with Hakeeb (Adelakun), I thought his performance was good, he got at the full-back pretty well, he created our goal, which was really well taken by Gary (McSheffrey).
“We have been unlucky, the second goal was elusive. I thought Neal Bishop had popped up with it when he struck the crossbar (in the first half) and we were a bit unlucky. Their goalkeeper made some great saves and they made a couple of blocks and threw their bodies in front.
“We had numerous corners and free-kicks and not been able to take advantage of those. It was nearly/almost a good win but on a negative, they had one shot on target.”
After the 2-2 draw at Colchester United at the weekend, Robins was pleased with his players’ reaction to an out-of-character performance, with a positive showing from Andrew Boyce and Niall Canavan.
He said: “I can say players don’t mean to play poorly, to miss chances, to be beaten by a run, we just have to be better and concentrate.
“For the most part (of the Bradford game), they have done it. The two centre halves were men, playing against (James) Hanson who is a physical threat and difficult to contain and we contained him well. There was very few chances where he was a goal threat tonight and that is credit to the lads as he is a threat.
“Billy Clarke, on the other side, has more quality than any of their players, he popped up with a great finish, it takes technically good skill and from our point of view, it was not what we wanted.”
Bradford went into the game unable to make the play-offs and they held United to a draw, leaving Robins’ men six points clear of relegation with six to play for.
“We were looking for the win if we could. It wasn’t to be and we have done more than enough in terms of possession and we have not taken the final chance," he said.
“We have to be happy with the point, at the end of the day this season is about survival and staying in this division and we are almost there.
“It has always been the case (of getting over the line) for a while, we are just creeping up bit by bit, point by point and we are unbeaten in five or six, we hope to remain unbeaten until the end of the season.”
Isaiah Osbourne had to be replaced in the first-half after picking up a problem, which Robins says does not look serious, although he was pleased with his replacement John Lundstram’s showing.
“Osbourne just got a kick, there was a few tackles flying about and he got a whack on the back of his leg/side of his knee and he felt he couldn’t continue.
“I am very pleased (with Lundstram), he battled well, some of his passing was good and he showed a real turn of pace. He did better and he was a real contributor.”
Adelakun was among the starters for the match after assisting and scoring in the Iron’s last two fixtures.
Robins stated: “Hakeeb has justified his inclusion by his performances and he has done that, we know he is capable, he is still young and he has done pretty well. He has plenty to offer and we just have to feed him in.”
Scunthorpe host Gillingham on Saturday for the penultimate game of the season and, despite Justin Edinburgh’s men having secured safety and missed out on the play-offs, the United boss anticipates another tough test.
He added: “I expect the same as we get week in, week out, another tough game. They have some good players and have a different side to the one we beat just before I came here (as Scunthorpe boss).
“We will go in looking forward to it, we don’t need to fear anything and just finish the job off.”
See much more Mark Robins, John Lundstram and Gary McSheffrey on The Iron Player.