First team manager Jimmy Dean marked his first game back in the dugout following major surgery with a resounding victory over Spennymoor Town in what was another memorable night under the lights at Glanford Park.
With six goals hitting the net, there were also numerous chances to extend that tally, with two-goal Connor Smith having a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick, while Tyler Denton’s self-confessed cross goal could have been added to in the second half, amongst others.
“For me, it’s an important result and an important performance,” he said, speaking after the game.
“I was up in the stand on Saturday (at Chester), but I was as frustrated as any of the fans were. It was the worst performance of the season, and I spoke to the players about that after the game. Credit to them - in my opinion - they’ve gone from the worst performance of the season to the best performance of the season.
“They’ve shown they’re up for the fight. They’ve shown they’re up for playing for this football club, and I’m really proud of them all tonight. They’ve given me a proper reaction, played some outstanding football and scored some outstanding goals.
“I could go through six or seven of the players where there’s been a big drop off with all the rubbish that’s gone off with this football club. We’re talking about 10-to-15 per cent across the board. Those players were back at it tonight. For me personally, I’m glad they’ve given me that reaction. It tells me that, with this bunch of players, we are onto a winner.”
Heart of Midlothian midfielder Smith was the one who got the ball rolling, scoring twice inside seven minutes to allow the Iron to express themselves on the night. Having been out of the starting XI, and then the squad altogether at the weekend, he returned with style to stake a claim for the shirt.
“I’ve had chats with Connor, his agent and Hearts at length. They’re all great people. Sometimes you have to do a little bit of adapting, and I felt that’s where Connor was at,” he stated.
“I said to Con that it was sink or swim time and that I want a reaction, and he’s been nothing but positive. He’s shown his quality and class and scored two great goals. Considering the boy hasn’t been playing, we’ve got Danny Whitehall who has scored two free-kicks, Jacob Butterfield who has got one free-kick and hit the bar on Saturday, he’s picked up the ball and stuck it in.
“Credit to him - it’s fantastic character from the young lad, and I’m delighted for him.”
United welcomed skipper Michael Clunan back into the squad, with the Iron midfielder playing just over an hour before being substituted off as a precaution following so long on the sidelines.
“I want to say no more than; you can see what we’ve been missing,” he stated.
“The boys not played since Rushall away, and that was our last away win. That’s why I gave him the armband, and you can see the difference he makes. He’s an outstanding character, and he makes us a better team. Mikey is so integral to how we want to run this ship on a day-to-day basis, not just on the pitch, so I’m so happy he is back.
“We just took him off as a precaution, and the boys that came on impacted really well.”
Now the challenge is to back that up on Saturday, with Bishop’s Stortford making the long trip north to Glanford Park. A benchmark has clearly been set where the gaffer is concerned, but he’s already looking forward to the weekend.
“We’re ready to (back it up) - that’s what I’ve just said to the players,” he affirmed.
“There’s an expectation level from me now, and certainly from our fanbase. There’s no excuses, no excuses at all. We’ve got Alfie Beestin coming back, Cal Roberts is training, Dion Sembie-Ferris is training, Max Kouogun is training, Danny Elliott to come back. There are some big players coming back, and it shows what a great position we’re in, but also shows what we’ve been missing.”
With over 3,000 home fans turning out for the Iron’s latest midweek triumph, particularly during the half-term holidays when many look for a final escape of the calendar year. Dean paid tribute to the fans in attendance, and believes his side have given every reason for supporters to turn out in their numbers once again this weekend.
“100 per cent - they’ve turned out again, after an abysmal performance on Saturday,” he stated.
“We let them down, we let ourselves down, but they’ve turned up in numbers and supported us. I’m just going to say the same again - to have the least change possible to our playing squad, we need supporting. We need people coming through the game.
“Michelle and the Board need it. Win, lose or draw, my message is going to be the same. Keep supporting us, keep backing us. It’s integral - the lady stood up when no one else did, and she’s in a tough position, but she’s doing fantastic.
“I think the players have done fantastic tonight. Come out and support us, come out and back your club. That’s what it is; your club. Without the fans, there’ll be nothing left.”