Iron manager Mark Robins was happy to see his side progress further as they picked up a 4-0 result at Hartlepool United.
A hat-trick from Paddy Madden, along with Luke Williams’ second goal of pre-season sealed the victory at Victoria Park a little under 48 hours since their return from a week-long training in Marbella.“It was really, really pleasing,” he told The Iron PlayerHD.
“We did really well and they did everything we asked them to do. They were brave, they tried things and expressed themselves and scored four really good goals. There were some really good performances and no injuries.
“We took Jamie Ness off just as a precaution, but he should be okay. I’m pleased with the work-out because Hartlepool are a decent side.”
Along with netting four goals, the Iron kept their second clean sheet of pre-season – another aspect of the work-out that pleased the manager as things begin “to come together”.
“I’m pleased with the defensive side of things,” he continued.
“We didn’t give them too many chances. There were a couple in the first half where we were a little bit untidy, but I’m just nit-picking because I was really pleased.
“It’s still early days and there’s plenty of work to do, but I’m pleased with the way things are progressing. They’re taking on board the work that they’ve done and you can see they’re trying to do that in the games.
“They’re training hard and working hard and the games are a little bit of practice. In a couple of weeks time, when the games start, we will need to be really focused and we’re really looking to that stage.
Games begin to come thick and fast for Scunthorpe in pre-season, with a first return of the season to Glanford Park on Friday as we face Bolton Wanderers, followed by an away trip to Lincoln United the following day. Two further games against Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County follow the week after before the league gets back underway on August 8.
“These games aid us in that progression,” he said.
“They aid you with your fitness and get you to your ninety minutes. Some have played 70 minutes tonight, some have played 20 and some will play on Saturday, while others will play on Friday night.
“There are still plenty of games to play before we start, but everybody is working really hard and well.
“We’ve got what we wanted from the players today and that’s what we’ve said to the supporters. We’ve asked for it from minute one. We want people that will give us energy, to fight and care about the shirt and that’s starting to come together.
“I know they’ve got it in them and they’re really good players. The recruitment drive has been a long process but I’m delighted because the Chairman has worked brilliantly with me and the staff and we’ve been able to bring together some decent players.
“We’ve got the main ingredients and there’s a desire to do well.”
See much more from Mark Robins, Joe Anyon and Jack King on The Iron PlayerHD.