Iron midfielder Liam O’Neil was frustrated that the Iron could not get a result against Bristol City on Saturday, but saw plenty of positives from their performance.
It was the first league defeat for Scunthorpe since October’s 1-0 loss at home to Notts County, but they pushed the visitors all the way in difficult circumstances.The Iron lost both of their ‘keepers to injury in the first half, meaning defender Andrew Boyce had to grab the gloves and hold the promotion chasers at bay.
Despite this, O’Neil felt the team were all impressive, telling The Iron Player: “It was a good team performance and I didn’t think we had one poor player on the pitch to be honest.
“Decisions went against us and we didn’t get the result that we wanted, but I think there are a lot of positives we can take and go into the next game and hopefully get three points from it.”
The Iron fell behind to a Jay Emmanuel-Thomas penalty, although it was strongly contested by fans and players alike and it soon turned into a double blow, with Boyce forced to go in goal.
There were a couple of players willing to wear the gloves, although O’Neil was full of praise for the stand-in ‘keeper and also the togetherness of the side.
He said: “I’ve never seen anything like it, but it happens. It’s Football and you never know what’s going to happen every Saturday.
“Obviously it’s disappointing, but Boycey’s stepped up and done a great job for the team and hopefully the ‘keepers can get back as quick as possible.”
Whilst it was disappointing to lose both ‘keepers to injury, O’Neil was impressed with how the squad has fitted together following a number of January arrivals.
He said: “I think the boys have come together more and more. The loan players have come in and are starting to gel, becoming a bit more of a team and it’s starting to show on the pitch.
“Obviously we’re all bitterly disappointed we couldn’t have got more from the game. Bristol City are a top side because even when they don’t play well they get the three points.”
The Iron now have over a week until they play their next league match against MK Dons, where they will be hoping to return to winning ways and O’Neil is looking forward to it.
He said: “We’re just going to keep ticking over and we’ve got a few days to rest ahead of a busy period soon.
“We just want to keep up the standards and go into the next game and hopefully get three points. It’s another massive game at home so hopefully we can.”
On a personal level, O’Neil has enjoyed his time with the Iron since his loan switch from Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion.
The midfielder is with the club until the end of the season and has been impressed with the club and the way they have played.
O’Neil said: “It’s really good. I want games and the gaffer has the right culture of football that I like, he wants to play football and he’s given me an opportunity here and I’m thankful for that.”
See much more from Liam O'Neil on The Iron Player.