Jimmy Dean: Nights like this are what I've been thinking about

With four goals, three goalscorers, a clean sheet and ultimately three more points on the board, first team manager Jimmy Dean reflected on a perfect night at Glanford Park.

Speaking following the game, the Iron boss first praised the side’s defensive work, leading to the lack of efforts towards United’s goal.

 

“I was talking about how many saves Ross (Fitzsimons) has had to make,” he started. 

“I think he made one really good one when we got caught with the ball turned around the corner. We identified that, changed it, and stopped that from happening again. Ross made a great save to put the ball off the post. It was an early warning sign for us but after that I don’t think he made a save, and that’s credit to the performance.

“Darlington came out second half and had another go, but we managed it well and the last half hour was superb. I was really pleased to see the substitutes impact on the game. I don’t think they did very well on Saturday. I’m delighted.

While the Iron didn’t win at the weekend, Dean stuck with the same starting XI that produced a positive performance, although a second goal eluded the side. His faith in that team paid dividends on the night.

“There are a couple of boys that were unhappy that I didn’t make changes, but it was about the performance,” he continued.

“I could have made ten changes after Tamworth. Personally, I don’t think there was a big difference with the performance from Saturday (against Peterborough Sports). Tonight, the ball has gone in the back of the net. We’ve had a bit of luck - we’ve forced that luck though, by shooting and getting in good area and getting the balls into areas where we can score goals.

“I’m not sure I’ve picked the same team twice when it has mattered, so I wanted to do that. I wanted a bit of momentum in the side and a little bit of familiarity. You could see how jointed the rotations were, how much cohesion there was in the performance and how comfortable everybody looked.

“The fourth was fantastic hold-up play from Danny Elliott and a great transition from Dion. The third and second goals were dream goals. The free-kick in the top corner and the back to front play in the third goal is what we’ve been working on, so it was great to see it happen.”

And while it was a special night at Glanford Park for all concerned, the United gaffer is remaining level just three games into the new season.

“Nights like this are what I’ve been thinking about and talking to my players about,” he stated.

“You don’t have to give the fans much to give a reaction, and they were fantastic once again. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

“It’s fantastic. I need to stay level. If we lost tonight, people would have been saying something different. We win tonight and we’re top of the league. I’ll enjoy it tonight, I’ll enjoy it tomorrow, but Thursday we’re back in. We’ve played three games. 

“It’ll be a difficult game at Rushall on Saturday and we’re hoping our fans will turn that into a home game of sorts. Get with us and enjoy the ride.”

He was quick to add the longevity of Scunthorpe’s unbeaten run, competitive games or not, and is aiming for the positive progression of the side to continue.

“You can talk about competitive games, but for me, that’s eight unbeaten. We haven’t lost since Winterton, which is quite a way back. There’s three EFL sides in that, and coming into the season, that’s three National League North sides.

“We shouldn’t knock performances like that. Last year, we went to a Step Three side in the FA Cup and lost. It’s fantastic. We can really see a progression in what we’re doing, and we want it to continue.