Rowe feeling in positive spirits after point at Hartlepool

Defender Jai Rowe is feeling optimistic that the first win under recently appointed manager Keith Hill is just around the corner, following a gutsy goalless away draw at Hartlepool United which made it four games unbeaten for his side.

The 20-year-old started the game in a defensive midfield position for the second time in succession before reverting to centre-back at half-time following George Taft's withdrawal.

Prior to the game, the Pools had the best home record in the division but Rowe feels the nature of performance highlights how far the Iron have come in a short space of time.

He told iFollow Iron: "Overall it was a very good point. I think the performance was good. We played some nice football and especially towards the end we created some chances where we definitely could have won the game.

"In the last few weeks we've definitely picked up from where we were before. You can see it on the training ground, on the pitch and in the changing room. The morale’s very good and I think the wins are definitely going to come."

Rowe continued: "The game was good. The conditions weren't the best, especially in the first half when they were kicking Into the wind as the ball was travelling further than it usually would, but we adapted to it quite well with trying to play on the floor even though the pitch wasn’t the best.

"It’s a big positive for us as we haven’t kept enough clean sheets and I think that clean sheet will do us the world of good. It will keep us battling to get more as it’s a great feeling when you get a clean sheet."

Talking about the influence Hill has had on the team, Rowe said: "As soon as the gaffer came in he drilled into us what he wants and he’s a very possession-based manager and it's about working hard. When we do that, we do get a lot of possession, like against Stevenage on Tuesday when we had 65-70% possession and when you get the possession it helps you out as a team because all the players can get a rest and create a lot of opportunities. I think it suits us as a team to keep the ball and to keep it moving and I’m sure were going to be improving on the possession stats (as we go along)."

"I don’t mind playing anywhere to be honest, as long as I’m playing," he added when discussing his new defensive midfield role. "Especially on Tuesday night when it was my first time starting there.

"However, I enjoyed it. I enjoy working hard and trying to put the tackles in and then play some football as well. Like I said it’s about the team so I don’t mind playing anywhere as long as I’m helping the team.

"I don’t think too much about it. I just work hard like I always do trying to pick up second balls. It's more trying to help the defence and try and play the ball out wide but I think I’ve adapted to it quite well and I’m enjoying it."

He stated: "All I want to be doing is playing games, like I said I'll play anywhere to get the games in, it gives you confidence starting week in week out."

Rowe concluded with optimism that a first win since October 23rd will come soon, saying: "We’ve come on leaps and bounds, the performances have been picking up, the morale’s high and the spirit in the camp at the minute is very good so I’m sure the wins are going to come."

See much more from Jai Rowe and Keith Hill on iFollow Iron.