Joe Bowden looks ahead to Tuesday night's match against Notts County:

After completing back-to-back wins with a tremendous victory against Stockport County on Saturday; Scunthorpe United will enter Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section First Round match versus Notts County (7.30pm kick-off) brimming with confidence.

The 3-0 victory, in which striker Gary Hooper claimed two goals, represented a thoroughly encouraging performance from the Iron. For many supporters, it will have fully re-installed faith in Scunthorpe's credentials this season.

And Notts County could well be walking into a firing line. The Magpies, who have collected only a two-point return from their opening four league fixtures currently sit in fifteenth position in League 2. Their only win this season came in the Carling Cup (but incidentally it was against higher league opposition) when they beat Doncaster Rovers 1-0.

Scunthorpe didn't compete in last year's Johnstone's Paint Trophy due to their status as a Championship club. But for Tuesday's opposition, the team that was the inspiration for Juventus, the competition has not recently been a happy event. In each of the past six seasons, Notts County have failed to clear their first Football League trophy hurdle. Their last win in the competition came in October 2001.

On the bright side of things for County, it is no secret that the Paint Trophy is not the most prestigious of competitions, especially in the earlier rounds. And manager Ian McParland will be comforted by the fact that Nigel Adkins will probably give a run-out to at least some of his fringe players on Tuesday.

And this could mean opportunities for players such as Martyn Woolford, Jonathan Forte, Ben May and Andrew Wright - all will be keen to show their manager what they can do.

And while it is difficult to know what sort of side Notts County will field, if they play to full strength, they could certainly play an X1 including some familiar faces. Striker Jamie Forrester and midfielder Neil MacKenzie are two former Irons in their squad.

But of course, it is an entirely conceivable suggestion to say that Notts County will significantly change their line-up. Needless to say, in the earlier rounds of the competition, Wembley is not exactly on the horizon.

The last time that The Iron met Notts County was in the 2004-2005 season, the year Scunthorpe gained promoted from League Two. The game finished in something of a dull 0-0 draw, a result that was frustrating for The Iron, who were in the middle of what would turn out to be a run of five games without a win.

Tuesday's game will kick off at 7.30pm, and go straight to a penalty shoot out if the scores are level after ninety minutes. Ticket prices have been slashed by the Iron, and under-16's can claim free entry to the game. This can be done by collecting a ticket for the match from the ticket office (in advance). The Grove Wharf stand will be closed for the evening.