On Saturday, the Iron got their campaign off to a good start as they came back from behind to pick up three much needed points against Coventry City at the Ricoh.
Player Ratings:
Rory Watson – 8
Just as important to the team as Andy Dales’ winning goal! Rory pulled off a string of fine saves, most notably at the end to preserve all three points for United. Hardly put a foot wrong and seemed to grow in confidence as the game went on.
Jordan Clarke – 5
Had a relatively quiet game at right back but still defended reasonably well. Picked up a yellow card in the first half and was replaced by Matty Lund midway through the second.
Charlie Goode – 7
A solid display from Charlie who took a while to grow into the game. Won almost every aerial challenge when up against the Coventry forwards. Potentially given Daws and Dawson a selection headache for next Saturday when Rory McArdle is back from suspension.
Cameron Burgess – 6
Very similar to his centre back partner. Took a while to grow into the game. Looked a threat from set pieces and hit the bar from point blank range in the first half.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – 7
Worked tirelessly for the full 90 minutes and showed great energy throughout the game. CBJ looks like the perfect replacement for Conor Townsend. He whipped in some great crosses and corners too, and limited the Coventry winger on his side to very little.
Olofela Olomola – 5
Had a fairly quiet game. Got into a few good positions in the early exchanges but seemed to struggle as the game wore on. Was substituted for Duane Holmes just after the hour mark.
James Perch – 7
Solid performance in the centre of the park in the first 65 minutes, then in the last 25 at right back. Showed his experience when it really mattered, particularly near the end. Comfortable on the ball and looked a threat going forward.
James Horsfield – 6
Fairly good first 60 minutes for James, in his first game back in English football after moving from Holland in late July. Put in some solid tackles and looked to carry the team forward.
Andy Dales – 7
Showed terrific work ethic all game and scored the winning goal from the edge of the area with nine minutes remaining. Settled in really well and looked far from out of place, after taking a step up to Scunthorpe from Mickleover Sports in June.
Stephen Humphrys – 8
Played on the wing for most of the game but always looking to create an opportunity. Scored a goal and assisted the winner too. Looked more of a threat down the middle than on the wing.
Lee Novak – 6
Led the side as captain due to the absence of Rory McArdle, due to a suspension that carried over from last season. Hit the post with a header from a CBJ corner in the first half. Always trying to win the ball back, but looked to tire towards the latter stages.
Substitutions:
Duane Holmes (replaced Olofela Olomola) – 8 STAR MAN
Turned the game completely on its head in the last half an hour with his burst of pace, and blistering runs at the Coventry backline. Assisted Humphrys goal and had a part to play in the winner too.
Funso Ojo (replaced James Horsfield) – 8
Controlled the tempo of the game after his introduction and seemed to bring the whole team up a level. Played a part in the winning goal with his cross field ball, and made a huge crunching tackle in the penalty area in stoppage time.
Matty Lund (replaced Jordan Clarke) – 7
Looked solid in central midfield after his introduction and made an important tackle to prevent a Coventry break, that subsequently led to the Iron’s equaliser in the 68th minute.
Any Old Iron 