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League One

Russ Wilcox encouraged by Scunthorpe United

30 August 2014

Russ Wilcox hopes newly-promoted Scunthorpe are starting to find their feet in League 1 after a 2-1 victory against Walsall to collect their first win of the season.

Two terrific goals in three minutes early in the second half did the trick with t eenage winger Hakeeb Adelukan firing them in front with a super solo effort before Gary McSheffrey's 25-yard free-kick found the top corner.

"They were two great goals, but very different in kind," said manager Wilcox.

"I don't think I have ever seen two better goals scored in the same game. Hakeeb is still only 18 years of age and this was the first time he has started back to back games for us.

"He is a quiet lad and still learning his trade, but the quality he has is there for all to see.

"Gary has played at the top level and probably the player with the most quality that we have in the club. I didn't think he would take on a shot from that range but it was a wonderful strike.

"The disappointing thing is that we then gave away a silly goal that let Walsall back in the game and it became edgy for us in the closing stages.

"But we closed it out well. And at the end of the day the three points is the most important thing for us.

"It gives us our first win of the season and lifts us a few places up the table.

"It has got to be done in small steps, but after our performances in the last game or two, there is a real feeling about the club that we are beginning to build some momentum.

"The last eek has been a good one for us, with our first point at Yeovil and a great performance against Reading in the Capital One Cup.

"But we have got to keep building from this."

Striker Tom Bradshaw grabbed a 70th minute consolation for Walsall after a mix-up in the home defence.

But it will not stop his team facing a tough inquest into what went wrong with manager Dean Smith.

"It is not very often that I have to have a go at these players," said Smith.

"Bu there will be words when we go through this on Monday. What we produced was just not good enough - and the players know that.

"The first 70 minutes was the worst we have played this season.

"I am very disappointed. There was no fluency, we did not pass the ball very well and we got drawn into a war of attrition.

"The two goals we gave away were horrible.

"There are not many positives that we can take from this game, apart perhaps from the last 20 minutes but I am not sure whether that was because Scunthorpe became edgy or we started to play better.

"What I do know is that we want to be challenging near the other end of the table, not still looking for our first win.

"If we continue to play like that, we never will get that win. But if we play to the level we can, then I am sure it will soon come.


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