Rowe reflects on hard-earned point at Crawley

Deployed in central defence at the weekend, Jai Rowe reflected on the goalless draw away at Crawley in Sky Bet League Two.

The 20-year-old switched positions once more to add the latest versatility string to his bow, reverting to a role he played on occasions last season. Having already played in central midfield and right-back in this campaign, Rowe first reflected on the point on the road.

Speaking to iFollow Iron following the encounter, he said: “I think, in the end, it was a well-earned point, a good clean sheet, and Rory (Watson) made some class saves.

“I think we stuck together well, grafted it out, and it was a good point. I just don’t think the ball quite dropped for us. We haven’t had that luck much this season, but it’s definitely coming. We’ve got a good group of lads and we’re all trying our hardest.

“We’ve got to take a good performance into the next two home games and get the fans behind us like they have been all season.”

With home encounters against Colchester United and Barrow on Saturday and Tuesday respectively, the side must look for maximum points against two teams who have been in and around the mix towards the bottom of the table this campaign.

Rowe feels both games are winnable and is confident the side can begin to reduce the gap. He also reflected on being part of the defence that held firm to earn a clean sheet at the People’s Pension Stadium: “We’ve got to get that run going. It’s definitely there - we have a good squad, and the spirit is still there. 

“We put our bodies on the line. Hayden (Hackney) made a great tackle late on running back 40 or 50 yards. The spirit is there, the energy and the graft.

“I enjoy being anywhere on the pitch, like I’ve said many times before. I’ve played a lot of positions. When the gaffer told me I was playing at centre-half in the week, it wasn’t an issue. I’ll go and put my body on the line and try my hardest for the team, and that’s what I did.

“The CDM role is not too different to centre-back, so I’m comfortable there.”

Rowe also heaped praise on 16-year-old Harvey Cribb who, a week on from becoming the Iron’s youngest ever league player, started the game in the heart of the United midfield.

“Even last week, when he came on at half time, he showed a bit of character, and he’s done that again in this game,” he added.

“He’s got great energy, he’s good on the ball for his age. He’s definitely going to have a good career. He deserves a lot of praise. Us lads have got behind him, and it’s great to see. It’s good for the club and the academy, as he’s been with the club for a lot of years. 

“Age doesn’t matter when you’ve got the ability, and the gaffer will always give you an opportunity.”

Finishing with a word on the travelling support, Rowe reflected on the continued support the team has received as they gear up for two important games on home soil.

“We all appreciate what the fans have done for us this season, especially through the hard times,” he stated. 

“The fans that travelled to Crawley were brilliant. When we’re at home, the fans have been brilliant. They’ve stuck with us, and we thank them a lot for that.”

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