Tuesday’s man of the match Connor Smith reflects on the Iron’s 6-0 thrashing of promotion challengers Spennymoor Town under the lights of Glanford Park.
Smith was handed a place in the starting line-up on Tuesday night and soon repaid manager Jimmy Dean’s faith by scoring two goals within the opening seven minutes of the fixture: “It was brilliant, great to be back in the team and it was topped off by scoring 2-0 goals and helping the team win 6-0.”
One of Smith’s goals was an incredible looping free-kick. In a squad full of set-piece specialists, he had this to say when questioned about the confidence required to step up and take control over dead ball situations: “I’d been working on free kicks all week, so I felt confident over it.
"Danny (Whitehall) has been watching me all week long, so luckily enough it went in, and I didn’t have to have the argument with him after it.
“Jakesy (Jacob Butterfield) has been hitting them more with his left foot recently, but I thought it was more suited to a right-footer, so I thought that I should step up and put it in the net.”
Having been left out of United’s squad for Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 defeat against Chester, when asked about the massive improvement between the two performances, Smith replied: “I missed out on Saturday, but came in on the Tuesday. After losing 2-0 on Saturday, but then winning 6-0 on the Tuesday, it's massive for us in the chase for promotion."
Glanford Park has been a special place throughout the season especially during midweek games under the lights, Smith commented this when referring to Tuesday nights atmosphere: “It was absolutely rocking, and the fans were excellent. I’m guessing that it’ll be exactly the same on Saturday."
Smith has been left out of Dean’s squad numerous times recently but showed resilience and said this about taking his opportunity that he has been waiting patiently to receive: “I’ve been speaking to the manager, and knocking on the door to try and get my opportunity. Thankfully he gave me it, and I thought I played well.
“It’s been hard down here all by myself and I’ve not been playing, but I’ve been training well and putting in the work, so I’m glad I’ve took the opportunity that the gaffer’s given me."