Jimmy Dean previews tough home test against South Shields

Iron manager Jimmy Dean previewed his side’s home league encounter against South Shields.

Speaking on Monday, just moments are the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round draw, he first reacted to drawing table-toppers Brackley Town at home.

“They’re the highest-placed team we could’ve drawn,” he stated.

“We wanted a home draw and we’ve got one. After that, what will be will be. They’re a good team, they’ve got good players, including a couple that we tried to get in the summer. They’ll be well-versed and their league form shows that they don’t concede many. They’re a side we identified would be up there for the season.

“It’s a tie at home, so you’ve got to fancy us.”

Moving onto hosting the Mariners on Tuesday night at Glanford Park under the lights, Dean alluded to the difficulty of the task facing his side following their deserved promotion from the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season, and their positive start to this campaign.

“They’re one of five or six teams, including ourselves, that are professional in the league,” he continued. 

“They’re a good side with a lot of energy, and I think they’ll come here to play football and have a go at us. They’re level with us in the league, and it makes for a good game.

“Hopefully it’ll be another special night under the lights, but it’s certainly one we cannot take for granted. My expectations are to work hard and carry out our game plan.

“It was before I came in, but they beat us in the FA Cup last year, and they’ve improved since then, gaining promotion and bringing in better players. They’ve brought in a few from the league above, and I think it’s also an opportunity to show that we’re better than we were then as well.

“They’ve got a fantastic manager and a fantastic fanbase. We knew that, if they got it right, they’d be a rival up at the top end of the league, and it certainly looks that way now. We’re looking forward to it though - we’re looking forward to them coming and having a football match against a side where they’ll come and engage with us. Hopefully, it will show the best of this level.”

The Iron have opted not to appeal Kian Scales’ early dismissal at the weekend, with the former Bradford City midfielder set to miss three games, first commencing at the weekend.

He will, however, be available for Tuesday night’s encounter, with Dean sticking to his original feelings on the decision having seen a replay.

“If there’s such thing as an orange card, it was probably that,” he continued. 

“I think it could’ve been managed better that early in the game, and if you are going to go with a red, be consistent with it. I’m pretty much still where I was when I spoke after the game.

“I forgot to mention on Saturday that, in the build-up to their first goal, there was a foul on Will Evans. I don’t think the referee saw that either. It’s frustrating, but it’s gone now and we move on."

Danny Whitehall, who has now got five goals in seven games, looked to be struggling towards the end of his minutes on the pitch prior to being substituted off, but the Iron gaffer expects him to be okay for Tuesday night.

“He’s trained on Monday, so I think he will be okay,” he added. 

“Kian is available as at this level it takes seven days until the ban is enforced. It’s handy for a game like this.

“Mikey (Clunan) still feels it when he puts a bit of weight on his foot. Jason Law is doing okay and Cal Roberts has been doing his rehab out there as well.”

It was confirmed on Monday evening that 855 supporters made the trip to Alfreton at the weekend, with yet more appraisal from the Scunthorpe boss.

“It’s crazy. It’s a lot more than some of the sides get for home gates, and it’s more away fans than some league clubs have,” he said. 

“That’s how amazing these fans are. It’s a privilege to represent them and we’re going to keep endeavouring and trying to make them proud.”