TIME TO REGAIN THE OLD SPIRIT – CONOR
CONOR Townsend and the Scunthorpe back-line know they need to emulate the defensive stubbornness of last season – and soon.
Before this weekend, the Iron were still waiting for their first clean sheet but did manage to keep four in pre-season, including against Championship side Sunderland.
And 24-year-old full-back Townsend, who scored against AFC Wimbledon in the 1-1 draw that opened the campaign, is hoping his side can find the levels that saw them concede just 54 times in 46 League One games last term.
“We had a good record at home last year and, hopefully, we can emulate that this season and make this a fortress, a tough place for teams to come,” he said.
“As defenders, we talk about it a lot. Last season, I think we had nearly 20 clean sheets and that’s something we’re proud of.
“We set ourselves a standard last year of performances and results and that’s something we need to aim for this year. We need to get back to the levels we were at last year.”
The Iron’s bench has been impressive at the start of the season, adding impact in every match they have played.
Chief among those game-changers has been 22year-old midfielder Duane Holmes, who has twice come on as a substitute and scored already this campaign – against Notts County in the Carabao Cup and Rochdale in the league.
Townsend thinks the squad depth at Graham Alexander’s disposal could prove vital in a long season.
“Duane has come on in the last couple of games and done brilliantly,” he added. “It’s tough when you are told you are not starting.
“The attitude has been first-class and you can see that when Duane came on.
“He changed the game in both matches. It’s good to see the lads are not taking it too badly and getting their heads down and working hard.”