Full player-by-player marks from Saturday’s game
Ben Alnwick (9)
A quite outstanding performance from the experienced goalkeeper. Made some brilliant reaction saves to deny the lively Scunthorpe front line. Bossed the penalty area and collected crosses with ease. I believe he wasn`t to blame for the goal more due to the lack of intensity to win the second ball. His highlight save was a quite miraculous one hand save to deny an audacious chipped effort destined for the top corner.
Lawrie Wilson (7)
Josh Morris who? Although some may disagree I felt Lawrie Wilson performed excellently. Although he had a slow start he grew into the game and covered well. He eased the worries of a Josh Morris riot quite comfortably.
Only playing 47 minutes in a quiet intense match due to injury I was hugely satisfied.
Mark Beevers (8)
Mark Beevers is really made of magic! Although it wasn`t his best performance he still simply bosses our defensive line. Without doubt one of our best signings in recent years. He carries everything. Pace, strength and height. He is the dream centre back and kept the Scunthorpe front line fairly quiet.
Moment of the match when he clashed into a Scunthorpe player headfirst, got up and walked off, resulting in a touch of blood for the Scunthorpe player.
David Wheater (8)
A completely rejuvenated player under Parkinson compared to the woeful David Wheater from last season. With Beevers next to him he seems composed, relaxed and confident. It`s clear both relish playing next to each other.
Wheater won everything in the air and looks a threat in the opponent`s penalty area from set pieces. Simply a simply brilliant defensive performance.
Andrew Taylor (7)
Another fan`s favourite. His hard work, guts and determination topped off an impressive defensive performance. A vocal part of the team, Taylor leads with passion and drive; this is evident in his play. His positioning and tackling has improved massively and kept the Scunthorpe winger quiet leading his marker to push more into central midfield.
However I do feel going forward Taylor has to offer more going forward especially in his overlapping runs past Clough. He wears his heart on his sleeve for sure.
Tom Thorpe (5)
Played his part but definitely not his best performance. Didn`t add very much to the game and I don`t think he understood his role. Thorpe ran around like a headless chicken and looked very one dimensional, although, he got stuck and made some pivotal tackles to deny any rapid Scunthorpe breaks.
Jay Spearing (8)
You just can`t not love Jay Spearing. His passion for the club is clearly evident and always gives his all. Looked much more composed on the ball today and played a range of delightful balls out wide. His crunching tackles are brilliant and leaves his mark on the player indicating they are in for a highly competitive game. He made countless tackles stopping imminent Scunthorpe breaks. A passionate performance.
Josh Vela (9)
A stunning goal to top off a wonderful performance. Recently he seems to be able to score some real crackers. He received the ball 25 yards out from a Gary Madine knock down and hit a sizzling strike that slotted beautifully into the bottom corner.
An energetic performance that pleased many of the Wanderers faithful. Ran his socks off and got stuck in when needed too.
Sammy Ameobi (6)
Mr Showboat, come on down!
Provided some spectacular skills that entertained many Wanderers fans. He could have scored a wonder goal, he acrobatically brought it down, nutmegged one player and decided to pass across then go for glory. It would be a real shame not to see him at the Macron for the second half of the season.
Zach Clough (5)
It’s clear Zach is going through a sticky patch in recent weeks. He lacked his usual charisma and energetic performances that excites many Wanderers fans. Today he seemed to be outstrengthened by his marker and failed to really get into the game. Although he did have one glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 when he received the ball on the penalty spot but saw it sail over disappointingly.
Personally I feel Zach needs a rest to restore his batteries.
Gary Madine (6)
Another good performance from the big man. His hold up play today and in recent weeks has been excellent. He also seems to be winning more headers which is expected for someone with his height and capability.
Unlucky not to grab a goal but his hardworking performances are pivotal for our success.
Derik Osede (Sub) (6)
I was slightly worried when Derik came on because I didn`t know if he would be able to adapt to the intense tempo of the game. However he adapted well. He was also playing against an in-form Josh Morris and Derik dealt with him very well.
Personally I prefer him over Thorpe and feel he should be playing in central midfield.
James Henry (Sub)(8)
Oh boy did he deserve that. We were all waiting and expecting him to come into the league and dominate comfortably. However it took time but it was for sure worth waiting for. I said before the game it was perfect match for Henry to leave a marker on and he definitely has!
He drove at the Scunthorpe defence before unleashing a strike that took a wicked deflection and slotted into the bottom corner. Hopefully he can now build on and send us up!
Ref Watch (1)- Andy Madley Absolutely shocking. He gave nothing for Madine and turned down multiple claims for penalties, all fouls on Clough. It`s as if he was giving a lecture every time someone gave a foul away, laughable. The only reason why he isn`t a zero is because his linesman gave some good decisions especially denying Josh Morris a headed goal that was correctly disallowed for offside.