Paddy Madden fired in two goals on Saturday, as the Iron romped to a 4-1 victory over Swindon Town at Glanford Park.
Madden set the ball rolling as he met a low cross from Conor Townsend after just 15 minutes, before Duane Holmes then doubled the lead six minutes later after neat work from Kevin van Veen.It was then the Dutchman’s turn to score, when he chipped the ball over the head of the Swindon number one, before slotting into an empty net from an acute angle.
Madden then finished off a great half when he took advantage of a van Veen effort that cannoned back down off the bar.
Swindon did score a consolation goal in the second period, the only dampener on a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in North Lincolnshire.
“In the first half we were magnificent,” Madden told The Iron PlayerHD.
“A 4-0 lead at half time is great for any team but, in the second half, we came out and probably took our foot off the gas a little bit.
“We saw the game out well and it was a comfortable win, so we’re all positive and there’s plenty of confidence in the dressing room.”
The Irishman missed the start to the season through injury, but is happy to leave that behind him now as Saturday’s game marked a third-consecutive start.
“I had three years without an injury which was lucky, so it was a frustrating start to the season for me," he said.
“That’s all behind me now and I’m just looking to get as many goals as I can between now and the end of the season.
“It takes a few games to get back into it. I have had a few games of 90 minutes now so I’m going to keep getting fitter and fitter.
“I don’t think you can ever say you’re at your maximum, but the more games I play the fitter I’ll get.”
Madden is still searching for a first hat-trick in claret and blue, and came excruciatingly close against Swindon. Although it may have eluded him on this occasion, he is full of belief it will come eventually.
He stated: “I know I’ll get it sooner or later. At times I thought it was going to be on for today but it wasn’t to be so I just have to get on with it.
“I’m happy with the two goals and another big three points, so I’ll look to get a hat trick in the next game.”
United now have a two-game break from the league action, with a trip to Charlton in store in the FA Cup next Saturday, before we take on Cambridge United in the Checkatrade Trophy the following Tuesday.
Madden stated that he and his teammates are looking forward to a mini-break from the league, as the team look to get a cup run rolling.
He concluded: “The FA Cup is a great cup, and it will take our minds off the league for a little while. We will look to go down to Charlton and give a good account of ourselves, and make sure we get into that second round.”
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