Manager Alan Knill hopes Scunthorpe United can carry on from where they left off when they resume their quest to pull clear of the League One relegation zone on Saturday.

The Iron started 2012 with a much-needed 2-1 success at Hartlepool – their first victory in eight attempts – and the United boss is keen to see his charges build on the progress shown at Victoria Park.

"I thought we played quite well at Hartlepool," assessed Knill.

"Watching the DVD back the second half was a little bit more difficult than the first but you expect that when you're away from home.

"They only had one shot on target in the whole game.

"We want the same again at Colchester and a level of consistency too, though I have to say it will help if we could have a consistent team."

That's another area in which Scunthorpe have struggled this term.

Midfield duo Michael O'Connor and Jimmy Ryan both played through the pain barrier against Pools and Sam Togwell was shifted from the left flank to the right to again operate out of position at full-back.

The fact he scored his side's first goal in the north east – his first appearance on the scoresheet in almost two years – typifies the sort of character and spirit Knill is keen to see all across the park.

"The players are all together and you could see at Hartlepool they had a real desire to do well for each other," he continued.

"We had some players playing out of position, others playing with injuries, but they put the team first. That's what won the game.

"We scored two really good goals.

"Togs was like Cafu getting in the box, but it was a great finish. And Thommo's (Garry Thompson) goal was what his game is all about – pace and power.

"As well as that, we had plenty of other opportunities, we probably had three one on ones where we could have done a little bit better.

"But he good thing is we created some decent chances. We need that to continue on Saturday."