Iron boss Graham Alexander hailed his side’s performance following the 2-1 victory away at Northampton Town.
United went ahead in the 22nd minute through Kevin van Veen’s well placed header before Alex Revell levelled things up with a nodded effort of his own.Top scorer Josh Morris then slammed in a stunning long range strike late on to secure a big three points at Sixfields.
Following the game, Alexander told The Iron PlayerHD: “It was a really tough game, a battle and we had to compete at a high level today physically.
“In the second-half, we got the ball down a bit better than we did in the first-half and we had really good opportunities on the counter attack.
“We caused Northampton problems as the game wore on and became the most likely team to win it.
“Both goals were of high quality. The cross and Kev’s header for the first was fantastic and then Josh has pulled one out of the bag again and scored a brilliant winner.”
Dutchman van Veen reached a personal milestone by notching his tenth goal of the season in all competitions whilst Morris’ superb hit saw him edge closer to 20 for the campaign.
Also keen to highlight the defensive display during a hard fought contest, Alexander was understandably pleased to see the side come out on top as the clock ticked down.
“It was a fantastic cross from Daws (Stephen Dawson) but you’ve got to be in a position to finish it off which Kev was,” he continued.
“He’s planted a great header into the corner and that set us up nicely. The goal they scored before half-time was a disappointing one to concede but we knew their threats.
“They’ve got two big experienced strikers, got a lot of balls into the box and it was a great header by Revell but a sore one for us to take before half-time.
“We had to defend aggressively and as strongly as we could so it was really pleasing for me to see the players go and do that in the second-half.
“We created some positive opportunities but I wouldn’t even say Josh’s was really a chance, he’s just pulled one out of the bag and hit the top corner.
“It was a great strike worthy of winning any game.”
There were debuts during the second-half for new loan signings Ivan Toney and Matt Crooks, who joined on deals until the end of the season from Newcastle United and Rangers respectively in midweek and the manager was happy both got some minutes under their belts.
Alexander later dedicated the win to Vice President Graham Taylor OBE, following his sad death at the age of 72, two days before the game with Northampton.
He added: “We brought Ivan on at 1-1 because we felt with Davo (Craig Davies) being out there we could get further up the pitch and Ivan could work off him.
“I was then going to make another attacking substitution but we got the goal and I just wanted to shore it up.
“Crooksy came on, sat in front of the back four, showed some fantastic touches and real composure so it was a really solid win full of courage and commitment.
“Given what has happened in the week, I think it’s important that we dedicate that win to the memory of Graham Taylor.
“It was a really sad occasion this week and we’d like to dedicate that win to him and his family. He was a proper football man, part of the Scunthorpe family and a lifelong supporter.
“It was a fitting tribute to win the game for him today and hopefully that’s some small solace for his family.”
See much more from Graham Alexander and Duane Holmes on The Iron PlayerHD.
Tweets by @SUFCOfficial