Defender George Taft was pleased to get a second pre-season win in succession as he reacted to Tuesday's 2-1 success over League One side Burton Albion.
The Iron took the lead early on through Taft’s header, but it was cancelled out by Burton’s Jonny Smith. The Iron regained their advantage on the hour mark though through a classy finish from Trialist B.
Talking to iFollow Iron, Taft said: “I thought we did well for the full 90 minutes. The lads that came on and started had a good test and it was a big win as we put in what we learnt in training. It showed and we worked hard.”
Commenting on his goal which came from a header, he said: “I felt like I was offside but it was onside. It's always nice to get a goal against a former club especially because there were lads there that I know. I think as a defensive unit, the defence always come first but to chip in with a goal is always great as it helps the team and takes the pressure off.”
The ex-Burton Albion player discussed the win further and said: “It’s a confidence booster and I think everyone worked hard and it's shown. It was a good performance from everyone.”
With three weeks of pre-season training already gone, Taft has been seeing the benefits. He added: “It’s been tough but that’s pre-season and it’s the same for everyone up and down the country. It’s been hard work. Everyone’s coming out of it fitter and it showed on Tuesday night. I’m feeling good and ready for the season."
As a result of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, fans are now allowed back into games and Taft said: “It’s amazing to have the fans back in and as more games come in there should be a bigger crowd. It will be good for us to interact and to get to know the locals.
“The fans should see how hard we’re working. The gaffer’s changed how he wants to play and we’ve come out of the game winning. He's implementing his ideas and it’s working.”
Looking ahead to the rest of pre-season with some tough opponents ahead, Taft commented: “It’s about playing these bigger teams and we’re probably not favourites to win. It is just pre-season so it’s ultimately about getting minutes. When we come up against these bigger sides the quality is better and it gets us ready for the season.”
See the full interview on iFollow Iron.