Interim manager Nick Daws was really pleased with numerous aspects of the Iron’s 2-0 away win at MK Dons on Saturday.
First-half goals from Rory McArdle and Ivan Toney helped secure a third win in succession, with United also making it a trio of clean sheets in a row and six matches unbeaten.
With two games of the regular League One season remaining, it sets things up perfectly for the home clash against play-off rivals Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday. Scunthorpe go into it sitting in sixth position and two points clear of their seventh-placed opposition.
ON THE WIN…
ND: We’ve come to a club in a difficult situation and moved the ball really well in the first-half. We adapted to a change of plan from them in the second-half, and defended resolutely. We’re delighted with a clean sheet, two goals and a positive confidence-building performance. Now the thoughts turn to Tuesday’s game.
ON THE TWO GOALS…
ND: To be the best you can be you have to work on all aspects of your game, and the set-plays and timings of the runs is something we’ve tried to get right all season. We’ve probably not quite got there and scored enough goals in those situations. For Rory to get that first goal is excellent and the second goal was an outstanding header from Ivan. It’s something that perhaps we needed, because we’ve asked a lot of our backline and holding midfielders in a number of games. They all stuck to the task again today and dealt with the situation perfectly. MK Dons’ opportunities were few and far between, and they were from outside the box with Matt Gilks looking really assured in goal.
ON THE BELIEF THE VICTORY PROVIDES…
ND: That’s three wins on the spin, which gives everyone confidence and belief. They’re in a great place and they should be. They’re good players, who have belief in their abilities and belief in the players around them. They’re resilient too and have proved that. There have been some difficult moments this season and we’ve had some difficult situations put towards us in terms of not getting wins or keeping clean sheets, but we’ve broken through that in the last three games. Our away form has continued to be really strong, and our home form still needs to improve in the remaining two home matches in the league. Hopefully we’ll have another one in the play-offs too. My overriding thoughts today are of pride and I’m really pleased for everyone connected with the club.
ON CAMERON MCGEEHAN MISSING OUT DUE TO A KNEE KNOCK SUSTAINED IN TRAINING…
ND: He’s improved really well. We’ve taken the right step in not taking any risks with him today, because if he’d have aggravated the situation then he could have missed the remainder of the season. He’s done some work back at the club today with the group that stayed behind and that’s been positive. We’ll assess it tomorrow.
ON THE 713 AWAY FANS…
ND: I said in my notes sent to the 12th Man members that the away following has been outstanding throughout the season, and I think most managers would say the same because they not only follow us but it’s also a huge expense for them. They made a lot of noise and cheered the lads to a victory. I think we’ve given them really good value for money in our performance today so I’m sure they’ll go home pleased and looking forward to the next game.
ON THE NEXT GAME AGAINST PLYMOUTH…
ND: It’s a fantastic game and the fact it’s on Sky as well is even better, because it just means the whole country can see what ourselves and Plymouth are capable of. We’re really looking forward and I’m sure Derek Adams is as well. We know what talent they have, but also we do. I’m confident we can get the result we need and move on towards the weekend against Bradford.
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