Alan Knill: Scunthorpe United's first home win of the season can give everyone belief

Boss Alan Knill described Scunthorpe United's first home win of the season, and first since April, as 'massive'.

Prior to Saturday's clash with Colchester United, the Iron manager had outlined his desire to improve his team's record at Glanford Park.

And with a Leon Clarke penalty securing a 1-0 victory over the U's they did just that, making them unbeaten in their last four games.

"It was massive, so, so important," said Knill. "It gives everybody a belief.

"The players are working really hard. Everybody wants us to win, it's just if you don't frustration comes through.

"Sometimes you can't win every game but if you apply yourself and give maximum effort, usually people appreciate that.

"I thought we did that.

"It bodes well for the future as long as we keep playing at our maximum. If we play at our maximum we're a team who can compete in this league.

"I'm delighted for the players, they've worked hard.

"Obviously we want to be the greatest football side and pass it around but you can't, it is about winning.

"Everybody leaves happy, whereas in the past everybody left depressed and despondent.

"Now it's our job to entertain and our job to give people belief. Hopefully now it's the start and people will come to Glanford Park and believe their team is going to win."

Knill accepted though, that some fans may not have been happy with United's performance on Saturday.

Against a team who have won once in their last 21 league matches, there was little by way of quality entertainment.

The hosts' breakthrough finally came with 15 minutes remaining when referee Christopher Sarginson pointed to the spot following Matt Heath's challenge on Clarke.

"That's four unbeaten, two wins and two draws and the most important thing is we're going forward," said Knill.

"It wasn't the greatest game but it's about winning and we did enough in the end to win and take three points.

"We all see that three points instead of one is massive.

"It's great for the players and they deserve a lot of credit.

"It just looks a lot healthier. Eight points so far this month is a pretty good return.

"They were dangerous. We said they can lull you in a little bit and the counter-attack would be the thing we had to guard against.

"We had to make sure that every time it broke up we had someone around Anthony Wordsworth in the hole.

"I must admit, first half they caught us a couple of times, but we managed to defend it well.

"Second half it looked like it was going to be a stalemate, then we got the break and got the pen.

"John (Ward, Colchester manager) and his staff are saying it wasn't a penalty and probably if I was on the receiving end I'd be exactly saying the same.

"But, watching it back you can see why he's given it.

"For us, that break has gone for us and gave us a chance to have three points.

"You have to work for those breaks and I thought we did."