Brian Laws backs Akpo Sodje to score goals for Scunthorpe United
THEY may be yet to witness the sort of finishing that saw him net seven times in 17 games for Preston North End earlier on this season, but Brian Laws insists Scunthorpe United will get goals from Akpo Sodje.
The experienced front man was the Iron's sole recruit during the January transfer window, brought in to boost a side that has now scored just eight goals in the past eight matches as they attempt to stave off the threat of relegation to League Two.
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Akpo Sodje attempts to put in a cross at Crewe Alexandra, despite the attentions of home defender Brad Inman. Picture: Phil Cook.
Having drifted in and out of his first two games for the club, Sodje played a prominent role in Saturday's single-goal defeat at Crewe Alexandra, benefiting from some superb service from Mark Duffy.
But each chance that was created, the striker squandered and it proved to be to United's detriment as the home side stole all three points.
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Manager Laws, while praising Sodje's positional sense, accepted the former Sheffield Wednesday front man should have been more composed in front of goal at Gresty Road.
“He’s missed a chunk of games during the December and January period, but having said that, you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time to get chances," said Laws, who also signed Sodje, 33, when he was in charge of the Owls.
“He was in the right place at the right time on Saturday, but he definitely needs a goal, for sure.
“He is a confidence player, but he has the ability that when he scores one he starts scoring quite freely.
“We’d like him to have scored today, but I can’t be disappointed with his performance or his effort.
“It was just disappointing he couldn’t finish those chances off."
Laws added that there were no issues with Sodje's confidence and that he had enjoyed his first month at Glanford Park, where he will make his home debut against Portsmouth tomorrow night.
“He’s loving it here and the players are totally with him and encouraging him," said the Iron boss.
“He will work his socks off, as he’s shown on Saturday, and the ball doesn’t come back very quickly which is important for us when you’re in battles every week.
“Like any striker will say, he needs a goal. Karl Hawley will be the same as he couldn't continue his goal-scoring streak at Crewe."
4 Comments
by Oldironfan
Monday, February 04 2013, 9:07PM
“If we don't get three points tomorrow night fuertegaz, that may well be the level of excitement we have to get used to.
Of course there's always the option of watching paint dry!”
by fuertegaz
Monday, February 04 2013, 7:41PM
“With the Iron looking like getting relegated,the Mariners looking good to get promoted and hopefully the Imps getting promotion via the play offs, next season could be quite exciting.”
by Oldironfan
Monday, February 04 2013, 7:16PM
“Strikers often have to feed off scraps but Sodje has had good service and clearly needs to improve his conversion rate.
Tomorrow night gives a great opportunity for him to do that against a side which has lost its last 7 games and conceded 19 goals in the process. Add to this the fact that free-fall Pompey have to face a 500 mile round trip in near freezing conditions and I'd back myself to score if someone would lend me a pair of boots!”
by FHall
Monday, February 04 2013, 3:56PM
“Pretty much like a Chairman backing a manager when they really aren't happy with them.
This Dodje chap has put egg on Laws's face with his powder puff performances. Another passenger we can ill afford when we needed a Parkin / Clarke. Mind you with Superscrooge still at the helm what more could we have expected.
Don't worry, after you have "gone" we will be back where you want us. Down.”