O'Malley: It was a big relief

Iron defender Mason O’Malley has reflected on on Wednesday night's away win over FC Halifax Town, the busy week gone by, and previewed tomorrow's home National League fixture against Bromley.

To begin, Mason spoke about that away win in midweek, adding: “I don’t think you can really describe the three point feeling, especially as it was away from home. It was a big relief, a big three points needed, and a good feeling all round.” 

The result against Halifax also brought an end to the Iron’s poor away record, with a first win away from home since December 2021: “It’s a weight off our shoulders and as Michael Nelson said, it’s a box ticked now. We’re looking to do that again though, coming back to Glanford Park for another three points.” 

O'Malley then assessed Wednesdays performance: “For me, I was in a different role to usual and this was a challenge, especially in tough conditions away from home. As a team we battled, we fought for each other, we defended well, and we also took our chance when it came.”

He went on to elaborate about his change of position, to midfield, adding: “It was definitely something I’m not quite used to, I’ve played there once or twice, so it took a bit of time to adjust and get used to it but once I’d got into the swing I felt pretty comfortable in there. Naturally, you do get that feeling of drifting into where you usually would be, but there are also times when you do have to fill in that space on the left hand side.” 

O’Malley then spoke about his midfield partnership with Elliott Whitehouse and Tom Pugh, saying: “I think we showed good energy in that midfield. Elliott coming in and Pugh down the other side gave us good energy and I feel we battled well in the midfield.”

On the prospect of making it back-to-back wins, he said: “That’s a massive opportunity tomorrow, we got the three points on Wednesday night, and hopefully we can do the same back in the stadium tomorrow.” 

Mason also spoke about the opposition: “Last time it became a real uphill battle, they got their goal, and from there it was a real fight where they sat in and defended. Now we’re back at our place though and we will be looking to take three points.”

Next, O’Malley spoke about his delight at returning to the team on Wednesday: “It was a good feeling to be back in the team, getting minutes in the legs. Hopefully, I’ve done enough to keep my spot for Saturday.”

The defender spoke about the importance of the fans this weekend: “They’re so important and they really are the 12th man. There are times when you really need them and they do give you that little push and little buzz, so hopefully there will be plenty of them on Saturday to help us get over the line.” 

Finally, he spoke about the takeover, and the relief that it’s brought the players: “I think it’s lifted us. The takeover was timed well with picking up three points. I think there’s just an all round good feeling at the minute at the club.”