Midfielder Alex Kenyon was delighted to make his first start in three months against Salford City on Saturday, and felt his side could have perhaps taken all three points against Salford City on Saturday.
After returning as a substitute against Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John's Trophy on Tuesday night, the 29-year-old made his first start since the match against Rochdale in mid-August. It was also his first full game since the season opener against Swindon Town following a thigh tear.
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw against Salford City, he told iFollow Iron: “Overall, it’s not a bad point. I think we played well in the first half and limited them to very little, though towards the end we were tired. You can see the high demands the gaffer’s got on the players and we started to tire but it's something to build on.
“It’s about getting fitter all around now, myself included. I’ve been out for so long and going back out for 90 minutes, it was pleasing, but I know I’ve got to get fitter. As a team, I think better fitness will only help us.”
He added: “Everyone really wanted that win and we were unlucky with (Tom) Pugh’s cross that hit the post, you can’t claim that as a shot and then it came to (Aaron) Jarvis and it's just not sat right for him. We then went through with (Ryan) Loft and unfortunately the square pass has gone to the keeper rather than Hayden (Hackney), for who it would have been a tap in. We are creating the chances, we are getting there and I’m sure the wins will come.”
Commenting on Salford’s goal, he said: “I was at crosswires with Mason (O’Malley), I was trying to play it in for him and he thought I was playing it to Hayden. Then we were too wide open and one ball through the middle of us with (Conor) McAleny’s pace, he’s got it in behind and slotted it past Rory (Watson)."
Reflecting on his time out with injury, the midfielder said: "It’s been massively frustrating. I don't think I’ve ever been out this long with injuries. I’ve been to every game and I just wanted to get involved. It's frustrating to watch, I’m not a good watcher of a football match. I’d rather be out there trying to help the lads and thankfully I was today. It’s been 14 weeks since my last start so it was great to get back out there. It was nice to get back out on Tuesday but great to start today and play the full 90 minutes.”
Looking ahead to the next game away on Saturday against Mansfield, the No 4 concluded: “I just want to help people and my shouting helps them. It helps me and the team which is the main thing. The main thing is we start picking up results. We need to build on Saturday at Mansfield away. I’m tired now but I’ll be back on Monday morning and be ready to work.”
See much more from Alex Kenyon and Keith Hill.