Iron defender Marcus Williams was disappointed that Scunthorpe were unable to beat Chesterfield in their FA Cup third round replay, but felt it allowed the side to concentrate on the league.
The tie went all the way to extra time again, but the hosts won 2-0 thanks to Sam Clucas’ brace which was the first defeat in 11 matches for United.Williams felt the Iron pushed their rivals all the way though and was left slightly frustrated with the final outcome at the Proact Stadium.
He told The Iron Player: “They were a good outfit today and they’ve been strong all season, but we posed some threats to them and gave them some problems and took them to extra time.
“It’s more disappointing because it’s a great tie in the next round – Derby away – so on that note it is very disappointing.
“The only good thing to come out of it is that we can concentrate on the league, but from my perspective it’s disappointing as it’s a chance to play a top class team from the Championship.”
Chesterfield have proved to be evenly matched with the Iron over the past few years and both sides were promoted together last season and the Spireites have impressed Williams.
He said: “I think the rivalry is very strong, especially with last season where both of us got promoted. This season they’ve kicked on and they are doing very well.
“They’re going to be very good contenders for the play-offs and promotion and that’s obviously where we want to try and aim and that’s what we want to do.
“We want to get out of this league (by getting promoted) as quickly as possible. It’s going to be tough, but we’ve still got a chance and there’s a good second half of the season so we have to keep our heads down and make sure everyone is focused when called upon.”
The attention now switches to Saturday’s visit of League One leaders Bristol City for Mark Robins’ side, where they will be hoping to maintain their impressive league form.
The Iron will be able to recall their January signings to the squad and Williams was hopeful that the side could build on some impressive displays of late.
He said: “The league’s important and we’ve had a good run. We had a good result at the weekend so obviously confidence isn’t dented too much from tonight and obviously we’ve got some of our loan players back.
“I think last time we played them at their place we gave them a good game so we want a good game and obviously it’s at home so we’re looking forward to it.”
See much more from Marcus Williams, Isaiah Osbourne and Mark Robins on The Iron Player.