On-loan striker Garner says 'character' is key to United's survival hopes
IN-FORM front man Joe Garner insists Scunthorpe United are happy to be the hunters rather than the hunted when it comes to hauling themselves out of the Championship relegation zone.
Tuesday's thrilling 3-2 success against Sheffield United moved the Iron to within three points of safety and stretched their unbeaten run to three games.
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POINTING THE WAY: Joe Garner celebrates converting his first-half penalty during Tuesday's win against Sheffield United. Picture: Carl Gac.
They have now taken seven points from the last nine on offer – more than any other side in the bottom nine.
And Garner believes Scunthorpe are perfectly placed, both mentally and physically, for the remainder of what promises to be a nail-biting battle against the drop.
"Hopefully we've got a few teams looking over their shoulders," the on-loan Nottingham Forest striker told the Telegraph.
"That's the plan and if we keep working hard we'll pick up the points we need to keep moving up the table.
"A lot of what happens at this stage of the season is down to the mind and in that sense, when you've got a bit of form together, it's better to be in our position than being one of the sides teams are looking to catch.
"Seven points from nine was a big ask, but it puts a different spin on things now.
"It has put us right back in there and we've still got two games in hand over Crystal Palace.
"There's still a lot of games to be played and a lot of points to play for. We've proved that we're not out of it yet by any means.
"Tuesday night showed the character we've got and you need character when you're in a position like this club is."
Garner scored twice against the Blades, one of which came from the penalty spot, to take his tally to three goals in five appearances since joining the club in January.
It's the sort of return he promised he would produce if given a chance up front and he's confident if he can keep scoring, United will continue to climb the table.
"I'm here to help the team and scoring goals is going to do that," the 22-year-old added.
"But I was always confident of my ability to score goals in this league and hopefully it carries on.
"We're not going to get carried away, because we've got a very hard game at Bristol City on Saturday and a very hard game at Portsmouth coming up after that.
"But we'll go into games positive and see where that takes us.
"We're a tight team and a tight squad. Everyone is looking to push in the right direction.
"When we get on the training ground, we're all buzzing. The lads enjoy each other's company and we work hard for each other.
"We're hopeful we can keep this run going and if we carry on playing like we did on Tuesday and working hard for each other, we'll match anybody."
9 Comments
by 1500club, Lincs
Friday, February 25 2011, 6:57PM
“Not a big indie fan mate - as or being pessimistic...having travelled to Bristol to see us destroyed and having followed SUFC for 30 years, you tend to get a feeling where results will come from.
Sheff U, Derby, Forest - all home bankers on past results - Bristol and Pompey...DEFEATS. That isnt negative or pessimistic, it's simply a view.
Up the Iron!”
by Chris Peacock, Old Brumby
Thursday, February 24 2011, 10:13PM
“" A Pessimist is Never Disappointed"
Were you the guitarist in The Audience in the 90's Mr 1500Club.”
by 1500club, Lincs
Thursday, February 24 2011, 6:59PM
“I believe we are looking at a 0-2 defeat on Saturday, at Bristol.
Up the Iron!”
by mark, scunny
Thursday, February 24 2011, 6:50PM
“lets face it, this time last month we were all thinking (div 1) next season, but the last 3 games have given us hope, I am trying not to get carried away with the results but its hard being a pessamist in everything but football. the lads have shown that they can put a good shift in, so hopefully we will get some good results from now and the end of the season, the next 2 will tell us how much we have improved as the next 3 home games are going to test the team, but we are on a run of good results so lets hope we can keep it up.. U.T.I”
by Steve, birmingham
Thursday, February 24 2011, 4:29PM
“Its nice to see the change in form and with the next two games away from Glanford Park will help the pitch out loads in the 28 years of watching the Iron play i don't think ive seen it so bad because if it was a animal the vet would offer to put it down, Lets hope that it can pick itself up just like the boys have UP THE IRON lets keep it going boys and we will be playing championship football next season”
by Eddie Murphy, Beverley Hills
Thursday, February 24 2011, 4:05PM
“I think it might be less this year - there are so many rubbish teams that just can't get a win. If we can get a little run going, and every team has one at some point, then we might just have a chance. Then all we need to do is get Wharton to concentrate on getting some more supporters in (don't worry, I haven't forgotten).”
by Chris, Bottesford
Thursday, February 24 2011, 1:36PM
“I wouldn't say we've got an easy run in but there are definitely winnable games in there. Bristol aren't great and we have been playing well away, plus Portsmouth twice, Coventry away and Preston at home. We'd probably go and do something insane like tonk QPR but lose to the bottom side.”
by Any Old Iron, North Lincolnshire
Thursday, February 24 2011, 12:22PM
“In previous seasons 54 points has meant safety - we therefore need 8 wins.
A few days ago I wasn't so sure about another point let alone another win.
But since the Forest game things look a little better - especially when you consider that we have had good away form.
So maybe we can survive at this level.
BELIEVE.”
by john, Scunthorpe
Thursday, February 24 2011, 9:13AM
“I think Iron need 20 points from last 15 games ,any forcasts where they will come from ?? Keep believing P THE IRON”