Though disappointed to see the Iron pegged back late on to draw against Shrewsbury Town, manager Nick Daws was pleased to see the way his team fought back in the second half.
Sullay Kaikai fired the home side into a first half lead before Kyle Wootton levelled and Paddy Madden put United ahead but Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro’s last gasp leveller ensured a share of the spoils.Following what was an entertaining game at Greenhous Meadow, Daws told The Iron PlayerHD: “We’re disappointed to concede in the last minute of injury time but that’s how long the game lasts.
“We did really well to come back from a goal down and I thought the only real threat they possessed was from set plays.
“Out of possession in the first half, we were just slightly off it a bit and when a team is trying to play forward and direct, it’s sometimes difficult to get pressure on the ball.
“In the second half, we solved that problem and I thought we were excellent and deserved to take a 2-1 lead.”
United’s equalising goal came as a result of good interplay between two substitutes, with Luke Williams setting up Wootton to bring the team back on terms.
Pleased to see two of his replacements combine, Daws relayed his firm belief in the strength in depth of the squad while also heaping praise on Madden, who edged closer to the 20 goal mark for the season.
“I keep telling the boys we’ve got a heck of a squad to choose from and wherever we finish this season, it’ll be important that we fully utilise the squad,” he continued.
“We rose to the occasion in the second half and I’m really pleased for Kyle and Luke to be back involved.
“I thought Kyle’s finish was outstanding and Paddy’s reading of the back pass to put their centre back under pressure and not snatching at the first opportunity to shoot was really good.
“The goalkeeper stayed big but Paddy rounded him, brought it back onto his right and stuck it in the back of the net so it just shows what a good player Paddy is. His hard work and endeavour has been rewarded today.
“His all round game is improving by the week and I know he’ll work hard for the team."
Williams’ return to the side came as a welcome boost to Daws, who made the decision to leave out fellow midfield man Stephen Dawson but the manager stated he expects his captain to be back in contention pretty swiftly.
He added: “Luke is a tremendous attacking talent, he’s got tremendous attacking ability.
“The important thing for us was to make sure that he was ready and the injection he had last week just settled a little bit of the swelling he had down.
“When he trained on Thursday he was outstanding and he proved when he came on what a good player he is.
“Stephen Dawson played 14 games in succession and it was just a bit of an overload so we made the decision to rest him.
“I’m fully expecting he’ll be back in training on Monday or if not then Tuesday and he’ll be working towards the weekend.”
See much more from Nick Daws and Kyle Wootton on The Iron PlayerHD.
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