AK hails pre-season progression

Alan Knill, the Scunthorpe manager, felt his side had improved in every friendly after concluding their pre-season preparations with a win over Middlesbrough.

The Iron were two goals down to the Championship visitors on Wednesday night, but fought back to claim victory through goals from Mike Grella, Josh Walker and Bobby Grant.

"I was happy in the end, although it wasn't the greatest start," Knill said.

"After we went 2-0 down, we did really well. We got back in the game, stepped forward more and passed it around quite well.

"When we went 2-0 down I was thinking about Barnsley last pre-season when we lost 5-0.

"We tried to get the players organised, upped the tempo of the play and when we did we showed we're a decent team. I think we're okay, and a lot better than last season.

"Each game has been a progression, which is the most important thing. The players showed the character that we're going to need throughout the season."