The Iron’s Under-18 team came from behind to beat Rotherham United 2-1 and regain their place on top of the league on Saturday.
1-0 down at the interval, Jack Dyche scored both goals, with the winner assisted by Noel Burdett – just days after the duo had been rewarded with their first professional contract offer.United endured the worst possible start to the game, with Charlie Cleminshaw forced off with an injury – Lewis McMichael taking his place. Academy manager Tony Daws said: “We thought it was a bad injury at the time, but hopefully not.
“We’re not 100% certain yet, but it seemed to be serious at the time.”
Scunthorpe then went a goal behind before the interval, but were handed a lifeline in the second half after a long ball upfield was flicked into the path of Dyche. He latched onto the ball before being brought down by the opposing goalkeeper.
The referee had no hesitations in pointing to the spot, with the 18-year-old picking himself up to dispatch the kick from 12 yards. Dyche put the ball to the shotstopper’s left, with the goalkeeper remaining rooted to the spot.
The winner came from the right wing as Dyche won a flick-on to Burdett 30 yards out from goal. Seconds later, he was in the box and ready to receive the latter’s pinpoint cross, looping a header over the Millers goalkeeper
Tony Daws added: “We were absolutely made up with the result. The lads were absolutely awesome. It was a fantastic performance and a really great fightback.
“The attitude and work ethic was really, really good.”
Everyone at the club would also like to wish Charlie Cleminshaw a speedy recovery following his injury in the first minute of this encounter.
IRON: Ledger, Shilling (Tolchard, 60), Cleminshaw (McMichael, 1), Butroid, Butroid, Bartholomew, Dean-Atkinson, Hornshaw, Sithole, Dyche, Sackey, Burdett.
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