Gilliead: ‘A point was good, but we deserved all three’

Iron midfielder Alex Gilliead claims the Iron were unlucky not to secure all three points in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic.

The visitors took the lead not long after the half time interval through Alfie McAlmont, and that was the game’s only goal until the 93rd minute, when Jordan Hallam smashed home a superb volley.

United had been well on top for a large period before the equaliser, but a stubborn Oldham defence did well to keep the home side out.

The pre match odds had tipped the Iron to win, despite Oldham boasting a decent away record this season – you can read more on the app before each game if you want the latest tips.

Talking to the Iron’s iFollow account after the game, Gilliead said: “It was frustrating. We feel we had the better of the chances but couldn’t get that first goal.

“Once they went ahead they could waste time and they’re a good team and they showed tonight they could pass the ball well. They didn’t hurt us much. We’ve got to put our chances away and make sure that we’re on top for the 90 minutes.

“It’s good that we had a never say die attitude. We’re always playing until the last minute but tonight we don’t feel like we should have been in that position, especially going in at half-time. We felt we had three or four good chances in the first-half and we wanted to keep doing what we were doing, so for them to score so early in the second half killed us.

“It’s another point in the right direction, and we move onto Saturday.”

Next up for the Iron is the second of four games in a row at home, with the side looking to put some added breathing space between Southend, who currently occupy the last relegation place in League Two.

Despite being lowly at the time, Southend won the reverse fixture, and Gilliead says the players know it’s a big match: “They’re all massive games at the minute.

“We’re doing well, but now we have to turn a few of these draws into victories and pick up a few more wins to guarantee that we’re safe. For personal pride and as a team, to finish as high as possible will do us the world of good.”