Reaction To Scunthorpe Victory

‘A young Scunny side, they played the big CB that they nicked from Gainsborough (Waterfall) and one or two others with a bit of experience, but it was def an inexperienced Iron 11.

Cant stress how good Nolan has looked in the games I have seen him, just oozes quality and seems to always pick the right pass and has so much time on the ball. Delighted for Wade, seems to not get involved playing from deep but both very good poachers goals and that will give him confidence. ALL the strikers have scored now so that’s promising and if we do sign Foster tomorrow, thats great news too.’

‘Mo Fofana was so good today it was ridiculous. I’d back him and Nolan in a midfield battle against most clubs, and they’re both fairly young. Fairhurst’s movement was really good; he dragged their defenders wherever he wanted them, and it was good to see him perform in the hole, as in previous friendlies he struggled a bit when played deeper – I expect he’s getting fitter. He has quality on the ball, and a goalscorer’s instinct. Newton looks the best left-back we’ve had in a long time, whilst Tomlinson and Sheridan are very busy, helping their full-backs and putting the opposition under constant pressure. Foster is a different class entirely and both Brown and Boyce look capable partners. Wright’s got quicker as pre-season’s gone on, and even won a couple of headers. We won’t be battling relegation this season, I’m sure of that.’

‘Its hard not to get too carried away, but we shouldn’t be battling relegation. Things are looking a lot brighter on and off the pitch and Simmo looks to have done some very shrewd business on the early showings. Lets see how we fare after the first month because its a really tough few games.’

‘It was mostly their youngsters and even the few ‘first team’ players are probably not going to get a start in League 2 so it was pretty low grade stuff from Scunny. However, probably not important in context but a nice win and knocking the ball about won’t have done our confidence any harm and goal scorers like Fairhurst like scoring goals whoever it is against.

As others have pointed out we’ve a tough start when the real business begins but it will be a very good test for our squad. We’ll get a better idea then I would think.’

‘A very solid performance from the Imps last night. Defended exceptionally well starting from the front. We have some very good players at this level and there are signs that they are now starting to gel. The best news is that Mr Simpson is going to have some very difficult decisions as to who he is going to pick and where to play them. Fofana and Nolan were the outstanding players tonight but it is a bit unfair to pick anybody out in a team that played very well. I think the only thing that this team now needs to show is that they can cope with the hurly-burly of Conference football and the physicality of it. I only say this as there has not been a huge ‘competitive’ element to any of the games that I have watched them play this pre-season but that is not to be unexpected. I expect that they will do this. All in all a pleasing performance with an excellent goal from Fairhurst and football that was pleasant to watch. Bring on the Pilgrims on Saturday ‘Community Day’ and then Woking away the following week. Getting somewhat excited about it all now.’

‘I know it wasn’t Scunny’s strongest side, but it wasn’t ours either.

Miller, Power, Yussef, Wright, Rowe, Boyce either completely rested or on the bench (or injured in Miller’s case).

A front four of Sheridan, Dixon, Tomlinson and Fairhurst certainly doesn’t appear to be the strongest front line.’