Hill: The perseverance paid off

First team manager Keith Hill provided his reaction to iFollow Iron after Jai Rowe's winner secured a 1-0 home success for his side over Walsall, as United battled with ten men for 40 minutes following Tom Pugh's sending off for two bookable offences.

"I'm exhausted (after that) and God knows how the players feel," he said.

"Obviously they're elated because the energy and hard work they put in, as well as perseverance, has paid off. It was a difficult ask on a difficult evening from start to finish.

"We looked a little bit nervous but we weathered a bit of a storm, grew into the game, got a goal and it settled us. We looked pretty comfortable but then we got the sending off.

"I thought we defended with our lives, put our bodies on the line and for the courage alone and commitment I felt we deserved that because in those types of situations you can become a victim in the circumstance of the sending off, but I thought the players worked their socks off and left everything out on the pitch. I'm so happy that the players got the three points because it's difficult as a player going through the sequence of results we've had. Hopefully it will give them confidence going into the next game against Swindon Town."

Talking about Pugh's red card, he added: "I don't think it was a red card. A foul was committed on the Walsall player by Pughy, it was a coming together and he'd already been booked. Pughy needs to learn to not be as impulsive but hopefully he will learn. When you have a yellow card you shouldn't put yourself in that situation, but I do think it was the wrong decision."

Hill concluded with thanks to the supporters, adding: "They were absolutely superb. It's been frustrating but hopefully it gave them that bit of belief. I know at times it was tough to watch but they cheered the three points home tonight and really got behind the team.

"It was magnificent at the end for them to celebrate with the players. I really do thank them. They know we're bottom and have been struggling but they're proud of the football club and hopefully we can make them proud of the football team as well. There was unity, let's fight the football world."

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