A reflective Paul Heckingbottom spoke to the press after seeing his side keep a ninth clean sheet in 14, to continue the Reds push towards a finish in the play-off positions.
The Reds were missing a number of players due to injuries and international call-ups, which left Heckingbottom pleased with a point.
He said, “I think we have to be happy with a point after that and it could be a valuable point getting us to where we want to be at the end of the season.
“I thought we were poor first half. It was much better second half and we looked much more like the team we want to be and how we want to play. As the game got on we got stronger and if anyone was going to nick it, it was us, but the game is 90 minutes and I thought the point was probably a fair result.
“It’s another point closer to where we want to be so credit to the squad. We were missing four starters from last week (Ashley Fletcher, Lloyd Isgrove, Callum Connolly, Sam Winnall), as well as James Bree and Marley Watkins who are also regular starters but the boys who have come in, that’s what they’re for and credit to them.
“We’ve had to change the team every week for different circumstances and the boys have all contributed so it’s another point earnt.”
After a first half that won’t live long in the memories of either set of fans, Heckingbottom gave his thoughts on how the Reds came out second half and improved as the game went on.
“We’ve been working a lot on getting the boys to pass and be brave in possession” Heckingbottom explained. “They’re trying to do that but I thought our quality was poor in possession and we kept making mistakes with the ball then giving away the ball in silly areas.
“I don’t really think Scunthorpe opened us up, we were just poor sometimes in possession but we wanted the boys to do that so we reassured them that there’s nothing wrong with making a mistake, just go get the ball back and be brave.
“We didn’t press the ball high enough up the pitch and take chances, so Ivan Toney was a bit isolated, but then likewise when we did have the ball there wasn’t enough runners in behind Ivan.”
The best chances for the Reds came in a quick flurry, but Luke Daniels was on form to deny an opening goal.
Heckingbottom continued, “I’ve not seen it all back, but we had a free kick from Conor (Hourihane), a volley from Conor that hit a defenders head and Roberts’ header.
“As it went on it was Scunthorpe trying to hold on for the point, so we were disappointed not to nick it and I honestly thought we would, but as it say it’s another good point to where we want to be.”
