First team manager Neil Cox was pleased with the fighting spirit shown by his side following their 1-1 draw at home against Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night.
It was Jordan Hallam’s stoppage-time goal that saved a point for the Iron, equalising Alfie McCalmont’s strike early in the second half.
Speaking to iFollow Iron, he said: “It was a battling performance. There wasn't a lot in it in the first half and they're a good footballing side, who do score goals so we knew it would be difficult. In the first half, Dev (Green) had some good chances but he just lacks that little bit of belief at the moment. I'm going to keep on pushing him though because there is definitely a good player in there."
Discussing the performance in the second period, Cox said: “In the second half, we looked to push them and work even harder. Then we conceded following from a sloppy set-play and they kept playing out, but we freshened it up a little bit with some fresh legs like (John) McAtee and then with Jordy Hallam coming on. We locked them in better and made them kick it long, picking the second balls up. Luckily enough, Jordy got the chance, and that’s why I like the boy because he doesn’t get many chances but when he does, he hits the target and usually finishes them."
Talking further about the attacker, who scored from a volley, he said: “It’s just a shame he’s been off balance at the end and just tweaked a hamstring which is disappointing because he’s been so working hard on his fitness and the power in his legs. Jordy definitely won’t be fit for Saturday.”
Mentioning the injuries the team currently has, Cox commented: “Jem (Karacan) went for a tackle and overstretched his knee and he knew himself he was feeling it, so he took the precaution of going off because he’s all about the team and it meant we could bring some fresh legs on (in Alfie Beestin). There are about four or five players with ice packs on following the game. Jai Rowe’s done well as he keeps pushing himself and I thought he got better in the second half. I just saw him holding his back and stretching his hamstring so I decided to bring Teddy (Howe) on. He came on and gave us that little bit of belief going forward.”
Reacting to how hard the team is working, he said: “Just look at the boys - they are shattered because they dug in and worked hard right until the end. I thought with 19 chances on goal - nine hitting the target - we fully deserved something out of the game.
"I also think my two centre-halves (Jordan Clarke and Jacob Bedeau) were excellent again. That’s four games they’ve played together and they’re developing a good partnership.
“My boys are fit and we keep going. We’ve got more points already than we had last year with three less games, on a lesser budget and with a much younger squad. The main thing is that we are moving forward.”
See much more from Neil Cox on iFollow Iron. Click here to get your Iron v Southend iFollow match pass.