Alan Knill has thanked Scunthorpe United's supporters for their patience as their search for a first League One win of the season goes into its eighth week.

Yesterday's 2-2 draw at Walsall told the story of the Iron's campaign so far as they dominated at the Banks's Stadium, yet ended the game with only a point to show for their efforts.

Six of their nine league games have ended all-square, but the quality of some of his side's build-up play and the character they showed to twice come from behind against the Saddlers means the Scunthorpe boss is adamant things will change for the better.

After a pre-match chat with some visiting fans in the West Midlands, he believes those on the terraces share his optimism for the future.

"I'm so appreciative of the supporters," Knill told the media after the game.

"I spoke to some before the game and they're pretty much the same as me. They think it will come if we keep going and keep going.

"I just want it to come now, because if we get that win, we'll kick on.

 "We're all fully aware you've got to win games, but at the same time I think everyone is aware there is a transition.

"The sooner it comes though the better it is for everybody."

Although currently in the bottom four, Knill is confident United can challenge for the top six this season – despite their stuttering opening.

He admits though rebuilding the Iron's squad and changing their playing philosophy has not been an easy process.

"I think it's possible to change things around and compete at the top end," he continued.

"My aim is to be promoted and the good thing is that this run is at the start of the season, not the end.

"We'll keep going and keep trying to improve every month. If we do, I think we can be around the top six.

"Anybody can beat anybody in this league. On any given day, you go 'oooh, I can't believe that's a result'.

"I didn't leave Bury to consolidate somewhere. I left Bury to go somewhere I felt I had a better chance to go higher.

"It's going to take some time, but I still believe that."

Scunthorpe needed a 94th minute strike from substitute Jimmy Ryan to pick up even a point at Walsall, who led for almost an hour - before Garry Thompson equalised - and then went back in front in the 83rd minute.

But having dominated possession and shots on goal, a draw was of no satisfaction to the visitors.

"I thought it was two points dropped," assessed Knill.

"It was a pretty one-sided game, but full credit to Walsall. When they had the opportunity they took their chances. We didn't.

 "Everyone keeps telling me 'you're a good side' or 'you're one of the best sides we've played', but good sides win. At the moment we're just okay.

"We've lost three out of nine and drawn six, but like today we could pretty easily have won six games."