IRON KEEP UP PERFECT AWAY RUN
ROBERTS AND BEESTIN GOALS SEE OFF SOUTH SHIELDS
SCUNTHORPE United made it three wins from three away from home to start the National League North season, beating South Shields 2-0 on Monday afternoon.
The Iron are also yet to concede a goal on the road in what has been a near-faultless start to the campaign overall under Andy Butler, with the 1-1 draw at home to Chorley being the only slight blip as they sit top of the league after five games.
Cal Roberts scored in the first half to give Scunthorpe the lead in their Bank Holiday Monday fixture, and Alfie Beestin tapped in from close range late on to make it a more comfortable finish compared to their previous away outing at Needham
Market. Butler was impressed with how his team quickly got to grips with South Shields’ midfield set-up and the unrelenting nature of their play to start the season as they continue their unbeaten run.
He said: “We knew that South Shields are a very technical side, but we also knew that we could force them down one side of the pitch and lock it off to smother any internal passes.
“We adapted to their diamond shape well and although it gave them more numbers in midfield, our wingbacks stepped in well to make the numbers even. We showed a willingness to battle as a team knowing that we wouldn’t have all the possession.
“We’ve worked really hard [on being a fit team] – they keep saying that I’m not going to break them and I haven’t given the application they’ve shown so far.
“It’s pleasing for me to see I’ve got a bunch of players going out there showing me they can cope, and their togetherness is fantastic.”
It is four wins and four clean sheets out of five for Scunthorpe so far, and having that solid defensive base gives them a great platform to build off as they navigate through the early games.
The Iron boss added: “That’s a testament to the players and their attitude in not wanting to concede goals no matter the match situation.
“Ross Fitzsimmons in goal has made some great saves, which he has not been asked to do loads but has still done well.
“It comes from the frontline, midfield and back line all working together – the whole team is working together for that clean sheet.
“If we don’t concede, then we’re going to end up with a point at the very least, and that has been the message to the players.
“We haven’t had a complete performance yet but we’re still picking up wins so when we do hit top gear we’ll be a pretty tough team to come up against, but in the meantime, we’re finding different ways to win games.”
Butler believes that he has not seen the best of his team, which, given the start they have made, is encouraging signs for the future if they can unlock a higher level of performance.