Dion Sembie-Ferris: It’s an opportunity for me to come in and show what I’ve been capable this whole time

Returning attacker Dion Sembie-Ferris was delighted to cap his first start back at the club with a goal, a man of the match award, and most importantly all three points against Rushall Olympic.

The Iron left it late to score the winner, with the 27-year-old leaving it even later to score his goal, in the seventh minute of additional time.

“First half, we weren’t good at all. We didn’t move the ball quick enough, and we didn’t pick up enough second balls. The gaffer came in at half time and gave us a talking to. It wasn’t good enough,” he stated.

“In the second half, we reacted. We got a well-deserved 2-0, three points, and that’s all that really matters. Tuesday was tough on the boys. It’s not the way you want to lose, or the team you want to lose to, but we all knew we had to react, but there’s no better way to react than get three points.”

Sembie-Ferris was recalled on Monday evening by United gaffer Jimmy Dean, with the National League confirming he could be part of the squad on Tuesday night a little over an hour before kick-off. That meant he settled for a place on the bench, but was thrust into the starting XI on Saturday afternoon, with that decision playing dividends.

“It happened fast after playing the team I was on loan to last Saturday,” he continued.

“It’s unfortunate for Cal (Roberts) to get his injury because I think he’s been really good since he’s been back. It’s an opportunity for me to come in and show what I’ve been capable this whole time. It’s been good to be back with the boys, I’ve missed them as it’s a great group of lads. There’s a lot of quality in there, and I want to be playing in a title contending team, so it’s been really good to be back out there.

“I haven’t been able to show what I’m capable of. A couple of injuries has really set me back and it’s been really frustrating mentally as well. I was almost defeat to be honest, and it’s taken a lot for me to get back on it. I knew as soon as I was given the start, I was going to take my chance. I’m happy that I have done that today.

“It feels like it was meant to be when I heard the man of the match announcement. I felt that all that was missing was a goal. I thought Cam (Wilson) was excellent when he came on, and I’m thankful that he looked up and saw I was in a lot of space. I took my touch well and my finish well.”

Now back at the Iron, he’s determined to show fans what he’s all about, following a frustrating first 12 months in claret and blue.

“There are loads of games left and plenty of twists and turns,” he added. 

“Anything can happen. We’ve just got to stick together, and I’m excited to be part of that. I want to win, and I want us to get promoted. This club deserves to be a lot higher than it is, this club has a lot of history. I’m determined to make sure, as are all of the other boys, that we get the club where it needs to be.”