United’s Under 18 side returned to winning ways on Saturday morning, as they defeated Harrogate Town 4-1, in what was a convincing performance in the EFL Youth Alliance League.
The Iron started the encounter in the best possible way and took the lead after just three minutes thanks to a stroke of luck that saw Tyrell Sellars-Fleming open the scoring after Harrogate’s attempt to clear from a corner cannoned back off the striker and into the net.
Harry Lewis had taken the original corner, which was met superbly by Dan Gallimore before the Harrogate defence could not clear their lines and Scunthorpe ensured a perfect start to the tie.
However, immediately from kick-off, the visitors found themselves level as a sweeping move down the left hand side resulted in the Harrogate forward finding himself unmarked at the back post to nod home the equaliser in a frantic first five minutes.
In what was treacherous conditions at Appleby Frodingham in the first 45 minutes, United then restored their lead with just over half an hour gone. A superb long ball from Jamie Moore was flicked on by Sellars-Fleming, as Cameron Wilson raced through and tucked the chance away, finishing smartly past the Town goalkeeper.
Scunthorpe could have extended their advantage to three just minutes later, as good work from Nat Wallace on the right enabled Sellars-Fleming to beat the offside trap before his strike was saved well at the near post.
As the second half began and the Iron began to change around the side in preparation for Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup tie with Shrewsbury, substitute Harrison Poulter did well to hold off his man and saw his right footed effort sail just wide, before minutes later the Iron did indeed extend their advantage.
Harvey Cribb burst forward down the left hand side as he picked out Wallace arriving at the back post. The Iron's No 2 smashed home and across the Harrogate goalkeeper for his third goal of the campaign so far.
Wilson again was proving to be a particular thorn in the side of the Town defence, the United No 10 danced into the penalty area, twisting and turning just before the hour mark, before firing just over in what was turning out to be a dominant second half for Tony Daws’ academy side.
Goalkeeper Owen Foster was then called into action on 65 minutes, as the Harrogate wide midfielder did well to deliver a left footed cross before the Town No 9 should have done better, if not for the quick reactions of the Scunthorpe shot-stopper.
With nine minutes to go, the scoring was complete, as Cribb’s long looping pass over the opposition's backline was raced onto by Jack Moore-Billam, who cut back onto his favoured right foot to strike into the net.
Academy manager Tony Daws was impressed with his side's composure in front of goal and insists the performance must be at the same level when they make the trip to Shropshire on Wednesday evening.
"We’ve done really well today, we took the lead, got pegged back but I thought some of the play at times was really good, we moved the ball well and got into real good goal scoring areas," began Daws.
"Credit to Harrogate, who I thought tried to match us pretty much all the way through the game but in the second 45 I think our lads just moved up a gear and in particular I thought Cameron Wilson was excellent up front for us."
As mentioned, the Iron will face Shrewsbury in the first round of the FA Youth Cup in midweek, with Daws expecting the same intensity and commitment from his side in order to give themselves in the best possible chance of proceeding in the cup competition.
"It’ll be interesting because we’ve watched how Shrewsbury play and they’re a very good side. It’ll be a tough game but we’re gonna go there and have a go like we always do and the lads I know will give their best," he said.
"Hopefully we’ll be good enough on the night to get into Round Two," concluded Daws.
After Wednesday’s cup tie, the Iron’s next league game will take place on the following weekend as they travel to Rotherham United looking to avenge this season’s earlier home defeat against the Millers.
IRON: Foster, Young, Moore, Lobley (Pike, 78), Lewis (Strouther, 66), Gallimore (Robertson, 45), Moore-Billam, Cribb, Wallace (Elliot-Bell, 66), Sellars-Fleming (Poulter, 45), Wilson.