Iron manager Mark Robins has expressed his delight after the team recorded a 2-0 victory over Barnsley at Glanford Park.
First half goals from Tom Hopper and Gary McSheffrey secured the points as United picked up their third home league win on the bounce.Goalkeeper Luke Daniels also saved a penalty from former player Sam Winnall to keep his clean sheet intact and Robins spoke of his happiness at the result after the final whistle.
He told The Iron PlayerHD: “The points are most welcome.
“It was a grind, we knew it would be. I think they’d lost five on the bounce before today but they weren’t going to come lying down.
“They changed their shape but I thought in the first half when we passed it we looked a real threat.
“Defensively in the second half we were better and Luke Daniels has had a major impact in the game saving a penalty.
“Thankfully we saw it out but I thought we were more than comfortable. They threw everything at us so I’m pleased with the three points.”
Hopper’s opener was his first of the season and his maiden strike since signing permanently for the club whilst McSheffrey bagged the 100th goal of his professional league career just before the break.
Former Leicester City striker Hopper did however have to leave the field in the second half after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
“He’s (Hopper) worked his socks off and that’s typical of him,” Robins continued.
“He’s dislocated his shoulder so hopefully there’s no major damage there but he’ll miss next week’s game.
“That’s the most disappointing thing because he’s worked hard and I thought he was really good physically and deserved his goal.
“It was scruffy but those are the things that get you on a scoring run and it takes a bit of a weight off his mind.
“Gary McSheffrey’s finish was really good too and ultimately it was about keeping a clean sheet in the second half which we did so that’s a really pleasing aspect.”
The shutout means United have now kept two clean sheets in a row and Robins was naturally full of praise for goalkeeper Daniels, whose saves ensured Barnsley were never allowed a route back into the contest.
It’s now also five wins from six for the squad in League One as Scunthorpe head into the FA Cup next weekend in fine form.
He added: “I think he (Daniels) did well and when your goalkeeper has a quiet spell, you want him to make the saves that make a meaningful difference in the game and he did that.
“The penalty save was very good and there were one or two other stops too. He’s come and claimed things that were put into the box and they put us under a lot of pressure so it makes it even more pleasing to get the clean sheet.
“To end the month with a fifth win out of six is really pleasing and it’s a real good start for us going into the FA Cup tie next week.
“Everybody deserves some credit. I thought Hops was outstanding until he came off, McSheffrey worked hard and some of his deliveries and passing were very good.
“The back four were also solid so all of them deserve credit for the performance and the result.”
See much more from Mark Robins, Luke Daniels and Scott Wiseman on The Iron PlayerHD.
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