ALTHOUGH unbeaten after the first week of the new season, starting matches slowly is something Scunthorpe United must eradicate quickly according to Josh Lillis.

And anything less than three points against Oldham Athletic tomorrow night will mean the Iron have started the season equally as slowly according to the their first-choice goalkeeper.

Contrasting League One performances have produced the same scorelines as Scunthorpe drew 1-1 against Preston North End on Saturday – seven days after the same result at Wycombe Wanderers.

And though both displays have produced some positives, Lillis says they will only be viewed as ‘good points’ if United pick up their first three-point haul of the campaign at the expense of the Latics.

“We know we need to start games better, but we can take positives from that game,” the former Rochdale and Grimsby Town loanee told the Telegraph after the Preston stalemate.

“It’s a big game for us tomorrow and Oldham will be up for it after losing on Saturday following a long journey to Yeovil.

“If we can get a win then it will turn these points into good ones.

“I fully understand why people want us to get up and running, because it’s always nice to get that first win.

“But we do feel confident and I’m sure it’ll come sooner rather than later.”

Lillis said the Iron’s players were disappointed not to start their home campaign with a victory.

In truth though they were slightly fortunate to snatch even a share of the spoils given they only drew level with three minutes to play courtesy of Andy Barcham’s classy finish.

It gives them a platform though on which to build in front of their own supporters, with the Iron squad keen to give fans something to shout about given last season witnessed the worst ever points return at Glanford Park.

“We fought to the end and even when we did get the goal, the lads got the ball and quickly went again. We even nearly nicked it,” Lillis added.

“We feel a tiny bit disappointed we didn’t come away with the three points, but Preston probably thought the same.

“They edged the first half. They had a few more bodies in midfield and played quite narrow.

“Second half we got the ball down and as the game opened up we really went at them.

“Last year, it never really happened for us at home, but last year has been and gone.

“We know this year we have to make it a bit of a fortress. We want teams to come here thinking we’re good at home.

“It’s a good start for us, not losing, and if we can get a win tomorrow it will be even better.”