Full-time: Scunthorpe United 0 Walsall 1
Scunthorpe United were left to rue a number of missed chances as they dropped back into the relegation zone with a 1-0 defeat at home to Walsall.
After a tame first half, the Iron increased the pressure after the break, but by then the damage was already done, with Florent Cuvelier's goal proving enough to hand the visitors all three points.
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NO WAY THROUGH: Jon Parkin rues one of many missed chances as Scunthorpe suffer a 1-0 defeat at home to Walsall. PICTURE: Carl Gac
United had been looking to build on successive wins, against Rochdale and Leyton Orient, and manager Alan Knill once again had the luxury of naming an unchanged side.
However, his team made a slow start and found themselves pegged back in their own half as Walsall retained possession in the opening stages.
The Saddlers though, were unable to use it to their benefit and Sam Slocombe remained largely untested as Scunthorpe worked their way into the game.
Although unable to keep hold of the ball for any length of time, the Iron did create several opportunities.
Josh Walker's wayward strike from range never looked likely to trouble David Groff, while a snapshot from Sam Togwell sailed high over the bar.
Christian Ribeiro did his best to liven up a largely lacklustre affair when, played in by Walker, he jinked his way forward into the penalty box only to find the path to goal well and truly blocked.
By contrast, Paul Reid did not fare so well at the opposite end of the pitch in the 25th minute, his slip handing Cuvelier the chance to shoot, but the Walsall midfielder blasted a wild effort well over.
Garry Thompson too, was unable to find the target when Ribeiro's cross from the right found the Iron front man on the left side of the box.
Cuvelier though, had no such problem in the 34th minute, catching United out at the back and slotting the ball beyond the on-rushing Slocombe into a gaping net to put the visitors ahead.
It was the Saddlers' first real chance, but, crucially, they made it count.
The Iron could not say the same.
Thompson could have produced a quick reply when he raced on to a superb through-ball from Jon Parkin but could not find the right finish, while his strike partner went even closer, forcing Grof to save with a drilled effort from out on the left.
Scunthorpe showed a bit more urgency when they re-emerged from the interval and had their visitors on the back foot for much of the second half.
Mark Duffy twice looked to add some much needed spark, first with a driven cross from the left which deserved to find someone on the end of it, and then with a curled effort which, in keeping with Scunthorpe's evening, was well off target.
Parkin at least made the goalkeeper work five minutes into the half, but the Cardiff City loanee really should have done better when looking to slot the ball home a few yards from goal.
Slocombe was almost caught out by Jon Macken's long range effort, but again it was the hosts who should have found the target – Togwell the culprit on this occasion.
The ball trickled inches past the far post after the Iron midfielder connected with Parkin's knock-down on the right of the box.
Walker was next to add his name to the list of missed chances when he forced a fine diving save from Groff , while Jordan Robertson did the same minutes after coming off the substitutes' bench.
Walsall could have made the game safe when Jamie Paterson went close from a free-kick, but Slocombe came to Scunthorpe's rescue.
However, there was no-one to do the same at the other end of the pitch, despite the hosts throwing everything forward in the closing stages.
They were lucky not to spend the last few moments down to 10 men when Parkin, already on a yellow card, was involved in an off-the-ball altercation.
It is being back down in the bottom four though, which will really trouble United as victory saw Walsall leapfrog them in the table.
SCUNTHORPE: Slocombe; Ribeiro, Reid, Mirfin, Reckord; Togwell (Robertson 74), O'Connor, Walker; Duffy (Barcham 62), Parkin, Thompson (Grant 84). Subs not used: Byrne, Mozika.
WALSALL: Grof; Taundry, Lancashire, Butler, Sadler; Hurst, Cuvelier (Peterlin 90), Chambers, Paterson; Grigg (Beevers 82), Nicholls (Macken 62), Subs not used: Walker, Macken, Bowerman.
ATTENDANCE: 3,455 (120).
13 Comments
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by bartonscorp
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 9:18PM
“I agree with most of your posts PStoff, but cannot see where you are coming from regards Brentfords form ?????, Monday nights win was only their second win in ten matches, but their form will be probably be good enough to gain the three points on offer!!
Again and again, why do we not throw players at teams during first halves of home games ??”
by carllewis2010
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 9:08PM
“The same old story im afraid,why do we always gift points to teams around us in the league,why do we always play **** at home playing the wrong formation and play so negative first half.Golden oppurtunity missed last night to move towards safety.Different mindset and approach needed against brentford or we are really in the ****.Also shooting practice and corner taking practice is a must after recent showing at home."UP THE IRON"!!!”
by PStoff
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:39PM
“We have a ZERO chance of winning Saturday - look at the form of Brentford - it will take more than a happy clap to change things, in fact I predict a real tonking. Knill is clueless of how to play at GP and he will stick with the Orient lineup for another 3 of 4 games because he is clueless when it comes to line up.”
by ironedout
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:57PM
“We have the players here now so excuses don't wash.We lost it in the first half when we didn't start well.The same old thing-Whose fault is that ? Not convinced we will stay up with Knill but if we win on Sat. we may have to believe in him.”
by NilforKnill
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:45PM
“This man is an embarrasment to himself and the game of football.
It's not just excess, its a full on gut!
http://tinyurl.com/5kcgxq”
by Mr_G_
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:35PM
“Yawn!!!
Cant comment on last nights game as I was unable to attend.
What I can comment on is the predictability of the people on this sight. Yes it was built up after 2 wins blah blah blah
But seriously... Laws.... get a grip!!!!!
Only a few days ago were some (notice that word Pstoff) were praising the new signings, and happy to give them a chance. Im not making excuses especially as I said I wasnt there last night. But if you're not going to go watch then fine dont bother, I guess you'll come back if we ever make it to wembly again?!
Oh and let me predict now....'such a happy clapper' 'listen to what you're told by the club' YAWN YAWN YAWN so boring”
by NilforKnill
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:26PM
“The happy clappers hate what is going on to Bartonscorp.
But whats your problem?
The club have brought in players. The fact is that (once again) they are either sub standard or do not sem to want to play for the manager.
Knill is useless. He has no tactical awareness, zero motivational skills and his man management are about as good as those of Robert Mugabe.
Ive said all alog - bring Laws back in. we need someone to get the best out of this dross.
He wouldnt put up with this sub standard work ethic and lack of quality.
Look at Parkin in the photo above. An embarassment. He's so fat he makes Lampard look slim.
Knill was the worst managerial appointment in the clubs history. He achieved nothing elsewhere. By all accounts he was just lucky at Bury.”
by bartonscorp
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:13PM
“The usual Scunthorpe united, build up the hopes of supporters, then trash them with an inept performance against a very poor team that had not won an away game for the past six months, apart from when Nigel was in charge, we have done this for many many years.
3,300 home supporters endured this game (I wander how many would have been there if it was not for the people that had bought season tickets ???), more likely 2,300, but the management was warned about this, and have only themselves to blame !!
Why do we keep on playing Duffy, and bringing on Grant, when both are not good enough, and why is Walker taking our set pieces, we had nine corners last night and I cannot recollect one of them beating the first man or reaching the centre of the goal area, O'Connor should still be taking these. Another thing, why does the team not play during the first 45 minutes of matches ??
After the pathetic joke goal gifted to Walsall, which set the scene for 3 more points being thrown away, and once again supporters left feeling sick of watching such performances.
I am awaiting the Happy Clappers reaction after watching that **** !!!!!!!!!!
Enough is enough, and even PStoff is winning around a few supporters, actually he is usually not far from the truth with his input.
GOD HELP US SUPPORTERS, IT'S LEAGUE 2 NEXT SEASON.”
by thorpe27
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 12:04PM
“I now genuinely believe that we will go down. P. Stoff is right as regards the team.Why Knill insists on playing Duffy is a mystery, and keep Walker away from corners. It really cheeses me off when you can't get past the first defender. If a fine system was introduced then watch a miracle occur. Please, just start and finish a game without Duffy and constantly inject pace and see what happens, and for god's sake get finishing an effort built into training as it seems to be considered an afterthought. If we can get Laws back and cut the dross out from the team, all well and good. I do not see Knill as an inspiration to anyone.”
by ExPatIron
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 11:26AM
“Pathetic ... When it really matters you can rely on this uncommitted bunch to let you down! League 2 is a certainty unless you get rid of Knil now ... emergency recall for Laws? Never thought I would be agreeing with P.D'usOff but he's now 'The Voice of the People'.”