Scunny’s ten men show Iron constitution
GRAHAM Alexander is adamant Scunthorpe would have won had the numbers been even, but counterpart Robbie Nielson was also upbeat about the potential of side despite going a fifth League One game without a victory.
The Dons dominated for long spells, particularly during a second half in which the Iron defended deep on the back of a red card for midfielder Neal Bishop seconds before the break.
And though the visitors, trailing 2-1 at the interval, made their numerical advantage count with a 66th-minute equaliser, they could not turn their pressure into all three points.
“It was a valuable point and a fantastic one given we had to play with ten men for so long,” said Alexander. “If we’d had 11, we’d have won.
“It would have been a travesty if we’d not have got anything. The players played well to get in front and then showed courage and tactical discipline to get a point.
“We’re disappointed not to have won, but we had to dig deep against many obstacles and I’m proud of them for that.”
And while Neilson knows his side aren’t in the best position, he is trying to stay postivive.
He said: “We don’t want to be in the position we’re in, but we’ve got a lot of talent in what is a good, young team. We have to stay positive. We created numerous chances but came up against a keeper who was on top form and a referee who didn’t seem keen to give us a lot.
“It was an extremely frustrating day, but I couldn’t ask any more of the players. That was up there with the best we’ve played this season. We totally dominated and coming at half-time 2-1 down was one of the biggest travesties you’ll see.”
Scunthorpe went ahead shortly before the half-hour mark, Hakeeb Adelakun drilling the ball home on the back of good work by Kevin van Veen and Duane Holmes.
The goal came against the run of play, with the Dons finding Iron keeper Matt Gilks in inspired form, though he could do nothing about the visitors’ 42nd-minute equaliser, stroked home by Kieran Agard to complete a flowing move.
Scunthorpe responded within 60 seconds, van Veen scoring from close range after he had followed up a shot that was saved, but their joy was tempered when Bishop saw red for an elbow on Chuks Aneke.
The second half was all Dons attack and that pressure told when Aneke met a free-kick lifted to the back post with a firm header.