Tom Billson reflects on midweek point at York

Goalkeeper Tom Billson reflected on his first Iron clean sheet, in his second spell, as well as the team’s performance as the Iron were held to a scoreless-draw away at York on Tuesday night.

Given the situation United face themselves in as we approach the conclusion of the season, Billson admitted a clean sheet and a point away from home was disappointing in the grand scheme of things.

Speaking to Iron Player following the game, he started by saying: “If it was a game earlier in the season, we’d probably take a point away from home, but we’re disappointed with the result given the situation we’re in.

“We knew coming into it that we really needed to win, the lads are still upbeat and believe we can do it [achieve survival] of course, but we really wanted to try and win it today and we’re disappointed that we haven’t been able to.”

Discussing the chances which the Iron produced, which saw York ‘keeper Ryan Whitley named Man of the Match, he said: “On another day we’re probably three or four up at half time, they’re fantastic saves from their lad.

“It’s really, really difficult for us. In the second half we showed up a little more but on another day we win this one comfortably.”

Discussing his personal performance, where the shot-stopper made a handful of saves throughout the evening to keep the score level, he said: “I can only come in and try do my job to the best I can do, so I’m happy with a couple of the saves in the second half.

Continuing the discussion, Billson admitted it was a difficult second debut in Iron colours on Saturday too.

“It was really difficult, for the team, and me personally on Saturday,” he began.

“It was good that we had a midweek game, to come here and definitely put on a better display for the fans, but again we are really gutted that we haven’t won the game.”

The on-loan Iron ‘keeper revealed it was a tough journey following his opening day injury last season with the Iron but admits it’s ‘brilliant’ to be back.

“Brilliant, really enjoying it,” he began, when asked on how it felt to be back at the club representing Scunthorpe.

“It was really frustrating last year so I’m thankful that the football club have given me another opportunity to show what I can do.

“It was tough, with loads of downs and a few ups, but mostly downs, but like I said I’m thankful the club have given me the opportunity these past couple of games.

With six games to go, and a huge fixture upcoming for the Iron against Torquay on Saturday, Billson revealed his mindset as United quickly shift focus.

“I’m thinking we’ve got to try and do everything we can on Saturday, it’s an absolute must win more so than tonight, and tonight was must win.

“We will do everything we can and we hope to win on Saturday to get some momentum.

“We’re going to go, go and go and do everything we can in our power until it’s mathematically done, and that starts on Saturday.

With 1,190 Iron supporters making the trip to York on Tuesday, and 1,750 on Saturday against Notts County too, Billson thanked the fans for their impressive support.

“It’s incredible, amazing, thank you for the support,” he concluded.

Hear more post-match reaction from Jimmy Dean and Tom Billson on Iron Player.