Iron manager Paul Hurst said his players set the standard he’s requiring from them away from home in Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Leyton Orient.
Alex Gilliead rifled Scunthorpe into a fourth minute lead with a spectacular opening goal, which was his third of the season, before Lee Novak sealed the victory in the closing stages with his sixth of the campaign.
Speaking afterwards, Hurst told iFollow Iron: “It was great to get the win in the manner we did, with a very good performance, which was honest and hard-working.
“The way we started the game helped that to a degree. We had to be good without the ball, which we were for large parts, but we also looked a threat. It wasn’t for one minute a lucky win or an undeserved win.
“That’s the kind of performance we’ve been waiting for and if we can take that level of work rate, togetherness and desire to keep the ball out of the back of the net, then I think we can look forward to more results like that.
“That’s set a standard for me today, and is the type of away performance you strive for as a manager. Credit to the players today.”
Gilliead’s goal put Scunthorpe in the ascendency, and Hurst said: “We had a good attack and forced a corner. From that it came out to Gilly and he couldn’t have hit it any better. I’m really pleased for him, only seven days ago he missed that late chance to make it 2-2 at Crawley and he cares. I know it bothers him. He played well on Tuesday night, built on it again today and was a threat for us.”
Talking about Novak’s strike, he continued: “He kept working and I do fancy him when he goes through because he’s that type of player. It was an emphatic finish and gave us that little bit of cushion, although you’re still hoping that the minutes fly by to make it at least a little more comfortable.”
It was also a third clean sheet in four games for the defence and goalkeeper Jake Eastwood.
Hurst said: “He came out to a couple of things in the first-half and was brave, showing really strong hands in those instances and clearing the area. He was put under some pressure, while there were also shots straight at him, and he saved one with his legs too. He can be pleased with his afternoon’s work and a clean sheet is nice for him.”
612 Iron fans made the tribute and the boss paid tribute to their efforts, adding: “It was a really good following. They were really vocal in their backing and we want to give them more away games like that.”
Meanwhile, Junior Brown missed out with a thigh injury and will be assessed on Monday.
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