Jimmy Dean: We've got to capitalise and use the momentum

First team manager Jimmy Dean reflected on another professional performance on Saturday afternoon, as his side ran out 2-0 winners over Gloucester City.

Another stunner from Jacob Butterfield in the first-half and a second-half Danny Whitehall penalty were there difference between the two sides as the Iron made it five games without defeat and four home wins in a row.

“I thought we were a bit off it in the first-half to be honest,” he said. 

“We were still the better team, we still created chances, but they had a couple of half chances as well around the edge of the area. We had to be better than that, and I told them that. I thought at the start of the second half, we started a lot better.

“Jacob (Butterfield) told us at half-time he had a virus, which is why we took him off so early. Probably when we took him off, we didn’t have the impact that we wanted. They stuck big Rico (Ben Richards-Everton) up top and they caused us a few problems, without really creating anything.

“The boys defended the box valiantly, they got the first contact and put their bodies on the line. It was a professional National League North performance. 

“I’m really proud of the players to be honest from the adversity and bit of stick we all got after the Chester game, and rightly so. They’ve really reacted positively. I put the gauntlet down to them when I came back in the building, and they’ve responded magnificently. It’s left us in a position where we’re top of the league, which was fantastic.

“The momentum is there now, we’ve just got to capitalise and keep using it. A lot of football is about momentum and mindset, and doing what you’re good at. Being top of the league now means nothing. It’s nice, but we’ve got to push on.

Scoring his seventh consecutive goal for the club from outside the penalty area, Butterfield this time lashed home with his left foot to give United a first-half lead, before winning the penalty in the second half, in what was his last action prior to being substituted.

“Jacob had two moments of magic today,” he stated.

“He could have had a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes. He had the one where he buzzed it across the back stick when he took a few on, he had the one where he had his own regain, and he could have probably slipped in Danny Whitehall or Jason Law. The third one, you’re thinking “don’t shoot, you’re too far out”, and it was an unbelievable strike.

“He knew he didn’t had long in the second half, so I said for him to go and win us the game, and he did. It was a great run, which he threatened to do once or twice before, sat a couple down and won the penalty which Danny finished well for us.”

With another bumper crowd of almost 4,200 inside Glanford Park on Saturday afternoon, Dean finished with his usual positive words on the backing he and his side are receiving.

“It’s a really positive environment inside the club,” he added. 

“I keep talking about it, but there seems to be a real connection between us and the fans, and above us as well. It feels as though everyone is pulling in the same direction, and this is what needs to happen now. Everyone needs to stick together, to keep fighting and to remain united. The difference from when I came in to now is night and day, and long make it continue.

“Another mental crowd. When we give them something to cheer, the atmosphere is amazing. I just hope they’re happy with what we’re doing. We’re going to fight for them, and keep working hard every day.”