Dean talks after point at York

Jimmy Dean has reflected on Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at York City in the Vanarama National League.

The first team manager began by speaking about the result, saying: “I thought it was fantastic defending, and Tom [Billson] had a good game as well. The ball just wouldn’t go in again, particularly in the first half where we had the one-on-one with Richie [Bennett]. In normal circumstances it would be a really good point and a clean sheet after Saturday’s performance. We were resilient but looking at how results have gone we needed more.” 

He continued to speak about the Iron's misfortune in front of goal, which saw the opposition keeper win man of the match. He said: “He made four or five great saves there. You come away and the home keeper wins man of the match, it’s just how it is and how it’s gone. It’s entirely frustrating."

The boss then touched on Billson, who kept his first clean sheet for the Iron. He said: “I thought he was excellent, he made some great saves, and had great handling. It’s just a shame it didn’t fall at the other end.” 

Jimmy spoke more about the team's performance, saying: “I thought they put their bodies on the line and the defending was outstanding. I thought we had a bad first ten minutes but we got into it. The last half an hour of the first half we dominated but we didn’t get the goal we deserved. Second half they changed their shape which shows how well we were doing.”

Dean Rance made his first start for the team tonight, and the Iron manager praised the midfielder's performance. He said: “I think he started rusty but came into it well. He’s played three games on the trot since coming back in, and he’d done a lot of running against Notts County, so the idea was to freshen it up a bit. I think the midfield competed really well.”

On the importance of Saturday’s fixture, he said: “It’s getting difficult now and we know it is. We can only fight while we can. In isolation it’s a good point away from home, but unfortunately results have gone against us. We have to go for Saturday and it’s a must win.” 

Finally, Jimmy spoke about the importance of the fans, and the Iron’s return to Glanford Park against Torquay United on Saturday: “It’s unbelievable support. We have to win. Torquay will be buoyant because they’ve got a win at Boreham Wood so it’s a must win.”