Scunthorpe manager Keith Hill is not buying into the notion that his side are doomed to National League football next season.
Ahead of tonight’s home game with Barrow the Iron boss emphasised that there is still an escape route.
He told the club’s website: “Not all is lost. There’s still a tangible opportunity for us to salvage our League Two status.
“Everyone has written us off and will continue to, but there were certainly still great aspects of what I expect from a team that were evident on Saturday.
“We have to take that into the next game and still have that attitude and application. Every football match is an opportunity individually and collectively for us to learn something and grow.
“They (Barrow) have a very good manager and a good group of players. Every game and opposition provides different problems, but different opportunities for us.
“We have to go through our work with the players in preparation for what will be a difficult game, but one we should enjoy and embrace, and do everything we possibly can to win the match.”
Hill had been shortlisted for the Carlisle United job after Chris Beech was sacked, but the Brunton Park club went for the since-departed Keith Millen.
Then Hill got his chance with fellow strugglers Scunthorpe but they have remained deep in trouble in bottom spot.
On Saturday they had to play with ten men for nearly an hour after a red card for Luke Matheson following two bookings. Colchester went on to win 3-1.
Up to that stage, his side had looked comfortable and there were plenty of elements Hill was pleased with from his team as they also fought to get back into the match despite their numerical disadvantage.
Although Barrow are ten points clear of Scunthorpe, with a game in hand, they are only three points in front of Oldham who occupy the second relegation place.
Yet Barrow go there looking for their first win in eight games and manager Mark Cooper does not expect any favours from their hosts.
Cooper said: “It’s a dangerous game for us because Scunthorpe are reaching the stage where they have nothing to lose and can just go out with no pressure. Everybody seemed to have written off their chances.
“As far as I’m concerned I’m expecting a really tough game and we have to make sure we’re ready and up for it.”
