Xande Silva and Nathan Holland ensured the Irons won a crucial bottom of the table clash against Blackburn Rovers last night as their returns gave a much needed boost to the under 23s.
The pair were right on song in the 3-1 victory with the Portuguese striker grabbing two and Holland one as the team rose to joint ninth place ahead of Spurs on goal difference.
And afterwards coach Liam Manning said: “Obviously there are a large number of positives to take out the game, the result being one. It’s important that we stay in the league and kick on from there, so we’re really pleased.
“The performance was a little bit inconsistent, a bit up and down. There was some really, really good stuff attacking and going forward. I thought we looked a real threat in that respect, going forward.
“Nathan Holland is getting back to where he needs to be fitness-wise, and he was a constant threat breaking forward with the ball and we obviously had Xande back tonight scoring goals.
“There were a huge number of positives in terms of individuals coming back but then also in terms of a team, they stuck to the game plan so we’re pleased.”
Xande Silva now has seven goals in just six Premier League 2 games this season, while Holland bagged his first of the campaign, and Manning was happy with both his attacking talents’ performances.
“Nathan has come back and taken a while to get back to where he needs to be in terms of fitness but to get more minutes in his legs is great for him tonight,” he explained. “He put a real shift in and was a threat going forward and he was unlucky not to get a penalty as well. He got in dangerous areas and caused them problems on the counter so it’s great to have him back.
“Xande is in the right place at the right time! Sean Adarkwa has obviously played a lot with Xande injured and has done well, but he’s now got to look and the challenge is to be better than Xande.
“He’s scoring goals regularly and having him back is a big bonus. Ultimately the challenge for the lads is to get in and around the first team and performances like that can only help them.”
ClaretandHugh says: Those who follow the fortunes of our under 23s will know what a vital win this turned out to be after losing three on the trot. After promotion to Premier League Division Two League One a couple of seasons back the team enjoyed a very good season last term followed by a poor one this time around. They have lost eight games and made an early exit from the Checkatrade Trophy as injuries bit deep into the squad with top pair Holland and Silva enduring long lay-offs and Dan Kemp only fit to return recently. On top of that they have of course lost skipper Declan Rice with Reece Oxford – who has made it clear he wants out this January – taking over as skipper. If they can now remain free of injury problems they can climb the league to a position of safety. None of this can hide the top job the academy staff have performed this last two or three years and Silva could soon again be challenging for that first team spot which was beckoning before injury.