Jimmy Dean: I thoroughly enjoyed that

First team manager Jimmy Dean reflected on six points and twelve goals in two home matches this week, as the Iron continued their rampant form from Tuesday to put six past Bishop’s Stortford.

Three of the Iron’s defenders were on target in the game, while Hearts loanee Connor Smith made it three goals in two games. Meanwhile Danny Whitehall took his tally to nine for the season, as United increased their goal difference and jumped up to second in the National League North table. 

“I’m going to smile here a little bit, because I thoroughly enjoyed that,” he said, speaking after the game.

“It was tight after they got their equaliser. I thought that it was unacceptable, the timing of their goal, after giving a silly free-kick away after scoring a good goal. We’ve actually got first contact on it, but we didn’t pick up the second ball. I was really frustrated because it should have been a bit simpler.

“It was a tricky five minutes, but they dealt with that adversity. I’ve been talking to the players a lot about this. When we’re good, we’re good, but when these tough moments come in games, we have to deal with the adversity, and I thought we dealt with it well today, played some great football and scored some fantastic goals.”

Reagan Ogle and Will Evans both netted their first competitive goals for the club from consecutive Jacob Butterfield corners in the first half, with Scunthorpe finally putting their height to good use in the opposing penalty area from those types of set-pieces.

“I thought in the game, in set-pieces, we looked a big, dominant and imposing side,” he continued. 

“We want that, but we don’t that want to come at a cost. I thought the two centre-halves were outstanding, with good use of the ball. The midfield was superb, the two full-backs you couldn’t ask for two better, the wide boys had great wing play again, and great centre forward play from Danny, and the ‘keeper deserves a shout out as well. 

“The three substitutes came on and impacted it positively. We got better. Cam Wilson came on and gave us a great reaction, and showed his worth, and could have had a couple of goals. I wanted him to take the penalty. The boy could do with a lift, and I gave him some praise in the dressing room, because I think he deserves it with the way he’s reacted. 

“That’s we want. We’re in it together. United we stand, and I mean it when I say it. It feels like everyone in that dressing room is pulling together. They’ve given us a great reaction after Chester.” 

Next up for the Iron is a Lincolnshire derby, as the side travel to the Jakesmans Community Stadium for the first time to face Boston United in the league for the first time since 2005.

Speaking on the game against the Pilgrims, the Scunthorpe gaffer is hoping to transfer this form to performances on the road: “We’ve got a difficult game on Tuesday night now, and we’ve got to try and impose ourself. The away form hasn’t been where it needs to be, and we have to be better.

“We want a disciplined performance, and pick our moments. We’re creating a lot of chances at the minute, we’re very clinical and we’re defending our box well. We’re playing good football, but Boston are a good team with a great manager and good staff. It’s going to be a real test. It’s a Lincolnshire derby, so it’s one we want to be winning.”

One change was made going into the fixture as club captain Michael Clunan was forced to miss out through illness, despite coming through Tuesday’s match on his return from injury.

“What I said on the radio was bang on,” he stated. 

“He came through training, he was spot on, there was no kidology. I sat and had lunch with him, but I got a text later saying how ill he felt. He’s had a sickness bug, and came back to me this morning and said he couldn’t help us today. I’d envisage he will be a bit dehydrated but he will be back Tuesday, which will be a big plus for us.”

With over 3,600 in attendance at Glanford Park, it was another positive showing from the Iron faithful to witness another six goals. Dean’s final word went to those who braved the cold to support their side.

“The whole day, the whole atmosphere in the ground was just fantastic to be part of,” he added. 

“It was amazing, and one of them for me, when I get older and I look back, I can say I’ve part of occasions like this, and occasions like on Tuesday, at a football club like this. 

“It’s going to stay with me. The players coming off at the end, high-fiving, hugging, it helps. You can feel the fans are with us and they’ve got their club back. 36-hundred through the gate again, on a cold day at Step Two. 

“All I’ll say is you’re amazing; thank you. Please keep sticking with us. We’re going to give it everything we can to keep you smiling and make us successful.”