Shaun Derry: Notts County boss delighted by turnaround

McLaughlin (left) has helped Notts win all three of their games since joining on loan from Nottingham Forest

Notts County manager Shaun Derry says his side have made remarkable progress less than a year on from a "disgraceful" Johnstone's Paint Trophy exit at the hands of Oldham Athletic.

Notts beat Scunthorpe on Tuesday and move into the Northern Area quarter-finals of this year's competition.

"Losing 5-1 at Oldham was a sorry time," Derry told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"Even at that early stage for me as manager, when the league was a priority, that really hurt."

The Magpies trailed against Scunthorpe after an unfortunate slip by left-back Blair Adams let in Paddy Madden to put the home side ahead.

Notts County manager Shaun Derry
"We are making progress and it is being made a bit quicker that I thought it would be at this stage. It's been remarkable and I want it to continue. We have to be ruthless in games and ruthless in training."

But on-loan Nottingham Forest winger Stephen McLaughlin volleyed them level and Ronan Murray chipped the ball in to make it 2-1 after being put through by a delightful long pass from Drissa Traore.

Notts held on for the victory in a goalless second half, and the match ended up as Russ Wilcox's last as Scunthorpe manager.

"I am glad we have done ourselves justice in the two games in the competition this season," said Derry, whose side are unbeaten in eight games and are also eighth in the League One table.

"We are making progress and it is being made a bit quicker that I thought it would be at this stage.

"It's been remarkable and I want it to continue. We have to be ruthless in games and ruthless in training.

"Scunthorpe made it tough for us, but we were hard to beat and the run continues. I am delighted.

"The longer we are in this fantastic competition, the more exciting it becomes."