Sinclair reflects on midweek game and builds up to the weekend

On-loan attacker Tyrese Sinclair believes Tuesday’s goalless draw with second-placed Northampton Town is a step in the right direction, and one that the squad will use as a stepping stone going into this weekend’s tie at Sutton United.

The Iron go to Gander Green Lane for the first time in their history to take on the EFL debutants, who have enjoyed success in their maiden campaign at this level, currently occupying a play-off place.

First reflecting on the stalemate with the Cobblers, he told iFollow Iron: “It was a tough game. They came here to be hard to beat and we had to compete and dig deep. They were a physical team, and we created chances, so on another day we could’ve come away with the three points.

“We went out there with confidence and we’ve shown that we can compete with anyone in the league. We’ve got to kick on now and do that in every game. We’ve set our standards.

“They’re at the top of the league for a reason and we went toe-to-toe with them. We dealt with their chances and had our own too.”

One key element to the draw was being resolute at the back, dealing with everything the away side threw towards Rory Watson’s goal. And when he wasn’t able to thwart Northampton, full-back Ross Millen twice denied the visitors, once with a goal line clearance before a goal-saving block in the final embers of the encounter.

“If we keep clean sheets, we’re always in games,” he stated. 

“The boys will create chances, so if we keep keeping clean sheets, we will definitely be picking up some points.

“The fans on Tuesday stuck behind us and it helped us. You can’t beat Tuesday nights under the lights.”

Speaking about his own form, Sinclair believes he’s starting to get into his stride and felt his performance on Tuesday was his best showing in claret and blue since making the switch from Mansfield Town last month.

“I thought I did okay,” he continued. 

“You can always improve, but it felt good to be back out there. Like everyone else, I must kick on. There’s no room for being complacent. I’ll admit, I’ve not been up to my best and what I know I can be, but on Tuesday I showed glimpses of what I can do. Now I’ve got to do that consistently every game.

“I’d say so far (it was my best performance while at the club), but there’s still plenty more that I am capable of doing. Hopefully, that will come with more games.”

While Gander Green Lane might be a new ground for Scunthorpe, it will be the second time the 21-year-old has played there this season, having featured for the Stags earlier in the season.

The loanee stated he will be letting his teammates know what sort of atmosphere they’re in for, but maintained that it’ll be about the performance levels, and a replication of Tuesday night will give the side the best possible chance of success.

“I played against Sutton earlier in the season for Mansfield, and it’s a tough place to go,” he added. 

“It’s quite hostile and the fans are right on top of you, but if we can put on another performance like Tuesday, there’s no reason why we can’t get the three points.

“I’ll be speaking to the lads as I know what it’s like to play there. We should just worry about us, and I’m sure we can come away with something.”

See much more from Tyrese Sinclair on iFollow Iron.