Substance without style OK for Iron
DEFENDER Miguel Llera scored the winner as Scunthorpe climbed out of the bottom four for the first time this season, leaving manager Mark Robins finally looking up.
The Spanish centreback stuck out his right boot to caress the ball into the bottom corner and condemn Crewe to defeat in a game they dominated for long spells.
And manager Robins admitted afterwards the Iron had not been at their best, but, after one defeat in ten games, they are at least picking up results.
“It was a really big game and we were under no illusions how tough it would be,” said Robins. “It’s great to be able to say we got the three points.
“It wasn’t until the second half we got to grips with them.We were laboured and looked mentally jaded.
“We didn’t play brilliant football, but, when you’re in the position we’re in, it always becomes a difficult game.
“We’re doing something right and we’ll continue to work hard. Eventually, we’ll get the performance right, as well as result.”
Crewe’s early play belittled their league position, with front two Uche Ikpeazu and Nicky Ajose too powerful and quick respectively for the Iron to handle.
Scunthorpe went ahead in the tenth minute when on-loan Middlesbrough midfielder Luke Williams swept a shot into the bottom corner after Crewe had given the ball away cheaply from a throw-in.
On the half-hour Alex deservedly levelled via Ajose, who knocked in from almost on the line after a brilliant ball across the box by impressive wing-back James Baillie.
Scunthorpe were a better team after the break, largely due to the introduction of Isaiah Osbourne in the middle of the park.
He helped them play at a better tempo and together with left-back Marcus Williams they drove Scunthorpe forward.
Ajose was a denied a second goal when Sam Slocombe brilliantly pushed his curling free-kick against the post.
And Llera’s winner only heaped further frustration on struggling Alex, who are now without a win in eight matches.
“We worked hard to get back in the game after going 1-0 down to a stupid error from a throwin,” said visiting manager Steve Davis.
“But we needed a second goal to give us the confidence to push on and we couldn’t quite get it.We were really confident going into half-time and spoke about what we were going to do.
“I couldn’t see Scunthorpe scoring. I think it was from about three or four ricochets it ended up happening. That’s not an excuse, it’s just how it goes sometimes.”