Iron manager Graham Alexander felt his players didn’t reach the standards they’ve set throughout the campaign in their Checkatrade Trophy third round loss against Oxford United.
United were beaten 4-1 at the Kassam Stadium, and Alexander says he was disappointed his side didn’t kick on after Luke Williams had given them an early lead from the spot.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “I’m severely disappointed.
“We were on top for 20 minutes, scored a goal and possibly could have scored more.
“We then gave away goals that were unexplainable, we just didn’t do the basics well enough. We had more than enough chances to score, but we gave away poor goals.
“In the first 20 minutes we played well, and it was maybe too easy for us.
“The performance (as a whole) wasn’t near the bar that has been set this season.”
The Scunthorpe boss states the most important thing is to now put things right on Saturday at Northampton, where United return to league action.
“We have to make sure we’re a lot better next time,” he stated.
“They’re an honest group of players, and I think tonight was a bad day at the office for all of us.
“We have to help the players get better, which we as a staff and I as the manager have to do, and we have to make sure that level of performance isn’t repeated again this season.”
Alexander once more praised the Iron’s away support, who he says deserved a lot more on the night.
“I felt for the supporters that came, because it’s a long way to travel, and it’s a Tuesday night,” he explained.
“They supported us the best they could, but we didn’t put on a performance for them tonight as a group.”
There was also an update from Alexander on defender Scott Wiseman, who was forced to be withdrawn from the game midway through the second period.
“I think he’s (Scott Wiseman) done something to his hamstring, which is disappointing given the other injuries we have at the moment.”
See much more from Graham Alexander and Murray Wallace on The Iron PlayerHD.
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