Providing his reaction to the Iron’s draw with Sheffield United, midfielder Richie Smallwood felt it was frustrating to not close the game out after edging ahead in the second half.
Goals from Josh Morris and Duane Holmes looked to have sealed a 2-1 victory for the hosts, but a Billy Sharp spot kick levelled things up with just four minutes to play.Despite Smallwood’s frustrations, he did however feel it’s another point in the right direction.
Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Smallwood said: “At half-time we were a bit disappointed to be 1-0 down, and it was sloppy on our part to not see the free kick.
“However, we dusted ourselves down, and came out of the blocks firing in the second half.
“It’s just disappointing that when we got to 2-1 up, we let them back in it when we should have really been seeing the game out, but it’s another point and we’re still top of the league. It’s a learning curve, and I’m sure we won’t let it happen again. However, it’s a good point in the end.
“Coming out the blocks like we did was a good response, and we went after them. We got the two goals, and I thought they were good goals as well.”
The Rotherham United loanee insisted he and his teammates must move on quickly to Tuesday’s away fixture against Walsall, and get back to winning ways.
“We move on to Tuesday, which is another massive game. They’re all massive when you’re at the top of the table, so we’ll be looking to turn that second half performance into a full performance on Tuesday,” he stated.
“Walsall are a good side. It’s a tight league, there’s not much in all of the teams really. However, we’re confident in our squad’s ability and if we play how we want to play, we’ll give anyone a game.
“We’ll be looking to convert these draws into wins - you’re not going to win every game. It’s a tough league, we know that.”
After making his first start for the club in the game, Smallwood says he now wants to kick on, but at the same time highlighted he’ll have to work hard to stay in the eleven.
“I’m now looking to cement my place in the side, but it’s a good squad though. When you get your chance you have to take it,” he explained.
“There’s some good ability, especially in my position. There are five of us in there who are very good players, so it’s going to be tough, and everyone is going to be needed for the long, hard season.”
See much more from Richie Smallwood, Graham Alexander and Duane Holmes on The Iron PlayerHD.
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