JOSH SILENCES HIS BOO-BOYS
JOSH Morris silenced his critics as his long-range strike secured Scunthorpe United their first win of the season.
The winger settled a tight contest in the 83rd minute, curling the ball home from out on the right to end Oxford’s resistance – and their 100 per cent start to the campaign.
The goal saw Morris open his account for the term, on the back of netting 20 times in all competitions last year for the Iron.
And his relief was palpable as he celebrated by putting his hands to his ears in front of home fans who had booed boss Graham Alexander’s decision to keep him on the field during a second-half substitution.
“Josh is the epitome of a professional footballer,” said Alexander, who was delighted with the Iron’s performance.
“There’s been a little bit of negativity around his performances, but he’s such a conscientious pro. He always works his socks off.
“People have a right to have an opinion, but they have to realise everyone in a Scunthorpe shirt is putting their all in to win for this club.
“That work ethic is what I think this club is about.
“I’ve been there so I understand the frustration of Josh and the release when he scores.
“Let’s give the lad some praise.”
Morris’s goal was the first Oxford had conceded in League One action this season, and they showed why with a largely solid display at Glanford Park.
The Iron could not break them down during an even first half, in which visiting forward Jack Payne came closest to opening the scoring when his ninth-minute header was tipped onto the bar by keeper Matt Gilks.
Scunthorpe got on top in the second period, with the goal coming on the back of a good spell of pressure in which Neal Bishop hit the top of the crossbar.
Paddy Madden also saw a deflected shot bounce wide, and the scoreline stayed at 1-0.
Yet the U’s came close to snatching a point deep into stoppage time when substitute Jon Obika headed against the woodwork after goalkeeper Simon Eastwood had flicked the ball over his head when upfield for a corner. Oxford manager Pep Clotet said: “It was a clear chance, but it didn’t go in so we have to refocus and use all our confidence for the next game.
“For me it was even. I think the fair result for both teams would have been the draw. But I congratulate Scunthorpe.”
The 40-year-old added: “We’re not happy when we lose a game, but this is a tough place to come.
“Both teams worked very hard and were at a similar level. We created enough chances to take something, especially in the first half.
“A draw would have been fair, but the game turned the other way and we have learned that these things
happen.”