Andy Butler assesses Gainsborough Trinity pre-season test

First Team Manager Andy Butler provided his post-match views on Tuesday's by no means straight forward pre-season victory over local rivals Gainsborough Trinity.

Firstly, when asked on his initial reaction to the 5-3 scoreline, he stated: “We started sloppy which leads back to the fine details, but we’ve got plenty of time to work on that so there’s no panic from me because we asked the players to play a certain way which they did.

“We spoke at half-time about being too expansive in possession, so that’s another thing that we can work on but, overall, it was a good run out against a tough Gainsborough side, and I’m pleased with the players application.”

The Iron found themselves 2-0 down at one time in the fixture, and showed immense character to battle back with two quick fire goals from Andrew Boyce and Max Kouogun.

“All the goals came from sections of crisp passing that led to us winning two corners. This year we will always cause problems from set pieces, because we’ve got a big side.

“I thought the lads that came on were really fresh and had an energy about them which we want from substitutes, who gave a good account of themselves. Every player is still fighting for their spot in the starting XI so there will still be a lot of change around in the coming weeks.”

Pre-season has been gruelling for Butler’s side so far as he’s certainly put the squad through their paces and had this to say on how preparations are progressing: “As we now approach the end of week three, I think now we’re reaching the end of the fitness training, so it’s all about finalising the details in our play and the sharpness that we need.”

Scunthorpe confirmed two additions to his United side in the hours leading up to kick off in the form of midfielder Joe Rowley and towering centre half Brad Nicholson. “Joe’s done really well since he’s been in on trial as he’s a good quality technical midfielder, he’s also had previous success in this division with Fylde, which is a big factor.”

“I’ve had my eye on Brad since last season and I’ve had tabs on him for a while. He had been training with Gateshead, who did offer him a contract, so we’ve done really well to acquire him given the interest that he’s had especially with the balance that he will bring to our side.”