We’re in a relegation battle, says Scunthorpe boss McCall

Posted Sunday, December 09, 2018 by PA

Scunthorpe manager Stuart McCall has urged his struggling side to realise they are in a relegation battle after losing 2-0 to Gillingham.

Tom Eaves and Dean Parrett got the job done in two second-half minutes at Glanford Park.

Eaves also smashed a late penalty over after Parrett was hauled down inside of the box.

McCall stressed: “We must realise we are in a relegation scrap, there’s no doubt about it.

“First and foremost, I think I’ve got to apologise to all of the supporters that turned up today because we talked about going out and putting a marker down and we didn’t do that.

“I was so disappointed with the flat, incepted start to the game, okay the weather is not great, but we were so flat, and everything was slow. I think we were fortunate to get through the first 20 to 25 minutes without conceding.

“We then have a few little opportunities and get back into the game and you think we’ve had a few this season where we’ve had barnstorming second half performances, let’s go on and see if we can do that.

“Okay we get a bit of luck when the boy hits the post, but I don’t know how their centre forward can bring a ball down on his chest and have time to volley the ball in, that’s what it’s been like all season.

“They had all the better players in there today, I thought Josh Parker bossed us, Elliott List run beyond us and Tom Eaves is obviously a threat.

“Win your individual battles, and we certainly didn’t do. I thought the all-round performance was pretty lame.”

Gillingham kept their winning streak going with a third victory in all competitions.

Steve Lovell said: “The (front) three caused havoc for their defence. It was incredible really.

“The midfield behind them were fantastic, their work rate was brilliant. The fitness of the boys was tremendous and all credit to James and Gary at the club.

“Mark Byrne, he must have Duracell in him! In the last minute he’s run 70 yards with the ball into the corner flag, sprinting down the line. We thoroughly deserved the win.

“As an overall performance, I think yes (it was the best performance of the season). It could have been four, five, six.

“It was more of a smash and grab down at Portsmouth, but this one we were in control for the full 90 minutes.

“It was one of the best performances of the season from players wearing the Gillingham shirt. It was a great result – it could have been a lot more and I don’t think anybody in this ground could have complained.”