Scunthorpe United v Milton Keynes

Saturday, February 4, 2006

Football League One

Scunthorpe United :
Evans, Byrne, Hinds, Foster, Rose, Taylor (Johnson 89), Goodwin, Baraclough, Sparrow, Sharp, Keogh
Subs not used:
Musselwhite, Stanton, Williams, MacKenzie

Milton Keynes :
Batista, McClenahan (Chorley 49), Morgan, Partridge, Lewington, Harding, Edds, Mitchell (Morais 49), Taylor (Rizzo 75), Platt, McLeod
Subs not used:
Kamara, Wilbraham

SULSESC REPORT

by Mark Borrill at Glanford Park

FOLLOWING our persistent, yet probably inevitable plummet down the league, we now find ourselves staring bleakly into the relegation abyss.

Consequently, today's encounter was our most crucial game of the season to date.

Needless to say, the pre-match discussions largely dealt with the consequences of defeat as a collective air of subdued pessimism prevailed.

This was hardly surprising given the historical context of United always achieving immediate post-promotion relegation and our unsurpassed ability to lose to the worst teams.

So, in a mood of resigned trepidation, we prepared for the worst with feelings marginally boosted by the 'kids for a quid' admission pricing. At least for some, a cut price defeat was on offer...

Fortunately, any tension amongst the players was instantly banished as, from the kick-off, United took the game to the Dons.

Quickly establishing a merited 2-0 lead, we worryingly sat back, allowing our opponents too much room, but as the Dons are a poor side, we survived unscathed up to the break.

Given United's tendency to fall away in the second-half, it was great to see the Iron swiftly regain the initiative and totally dominate the rest of the game. The final whistle was naturally greeted with a cheer but largely of relief rather than celebration.

So what conclusions can we draw from this match? Can we survive? Certainly, the players' attitude was excellent, they all played well with Keogh and Sparrow in particular in excellent form, but in truth MK were simply there for the taking on this display.

There will be many much harder matches in the weeks ahead, Keogh will be off on international duty and, even worse, Torpey will be back to the detriment of the team. Anyway, for now let's focus on the positives. Three vital points gained, Borrill junior can go to school on Monday without fear of ridicule and, assuming I have got my facts right, Karen has pledged to wear a nurses's uniform at Walsall.