Iron boss Andy Butler praised his side’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing as his side moved to within three points of the National League summit with a commanding 3-1 victory over high-flying Boreham Wood.
First half goals from Danny Whitehall, Callum Roberts and Zain Westbrooke saw Scunthorpe race into a three-goal lead by the break, before a late consolation from the hosts tested the Iron’s resolve in the closing stages.
Butler, who adjusted his formation following a disappointing 2-2 draw at Morecambe, described the performance as on par with their standout victory at York City earlier in the season.
“It’s a good performance – I wouldn’t say a statement victory, just another good performance away from home with a fantastic group of players,” Butler told BBC Radio Humberside.
“I know that when I ask them to do certain things, they don’t ask questions of me; they get on and do it.”
Tactical Masterclass
Butler revealed that the decision to pair Callum Roberts and Danny Whitehall up top was a direct response to tactical struggles in their previous outing.
“I felt at Morecambe, with the one center-forward pressing the two center-halves, we were getting popped off. That’s why we went with Callum and Danny up top to put more pressure on them and force them into mistakes.”
The gamble paid off as Scunthorpe dominated the opening 50 minutes. “We took our chances today,” Butler added. “There was a little bit of indecisiveness in that final third in previous weeks where we didn’t quite take the shot, but today we did, and we scored some great goals.”
Butler singled out several individuals for praise, including Will Evans on his return to the side and Joe Rowley, who he described as “colossal in midfield.”
‘War of Words’
The match ended with visible tension on the touchline, with Butler and Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard involved in a heated exchange that continued toward the dressing rooms.
When asked about the incident, Butler remained coy but unmoved. “Nothing from my side – it was an enjoyable game of football against tough opposition. I’m a big enough boy to take on insults or whatever it has to be. They’re passionate, we’re passionate. I don’t think there’ll be many beers being bought between us, but that’s what it is.”
The victory leaves Scunthorpe in sixth place, but more significantly, it moves them 29 points clear of the relegation zone. With 20 games remaining, Butler joked that the club’s initial goal of “guaranteed safety” has finally been ticked off.
“Twenty-nine points clear… so if we can guarantee a point a game, they can’t catch us, can they? I’m only messing around. We’re delighted to be in sixth, but it’s nothing if we don’t back it up”.
The Iron now turn their attention to another high-stakes home fixture against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday. Robbie Savage’s side currently sit just one place and one point above Scunthorpe in the National League standings, making the televised encounter another pivotal ‘six-pointer’ in the race for top spot.
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