Iron manager Russ Wilcox is expecting a tough game when the Iron travel to Chesterfield on Saturday, having recently faced the Spireites.
It is the second consecutive away game for Scunthorpe having travelled to Bristol City last Saturday, a game they lost 2-0 despite performing very well.Wilcox will be hoping that his Iron side can bounce back and return to winning ways, but he is expecting a tricky trip to last season’s League Two winners.
He told The Iron Player: “It’ll be a tough game. We’ve played each other three times over the last 12 month period, all tight games, all good games and all good footballing games. Both teams try to get the ball down and play.
“I thought the game the other night was an excellent game and both teams tried to lay the right way and hopefully we can get the same result as the JPT.”
The two sides will know a lot about each other having crossed paths in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy the other week, with Scunthorpe winning 2-0, and also both achieved promotion last season.
Chesterfield manager Paul Cook watched the Iron’s trip to Bristol City and despite defeat, Wilcox felt that Cook would still be wary of the threat Scunthorpe could pose.
He said: “We performed very well at Bristol. They are a top team, I think anyone watching that would realise that. I thought we made it very difficult for them, had a good game plan, it just about trying to get that first goal that we didn’t quite get.
“Chesterfield are going to be in for a tough game, but I’ve got a lot of time and respect for Paul Cook. I like the way he plays, like the way he handles himself and always share a beer with him after which is nice, so looking forward to the game.”
The Iron head into the game with a number of injury concerns and, with the loan market open, there would be an opportunity to bring in some cover, but Wilcox said this was unlikely.
He said: “I don’t think so, I’ll be honest. I’m just waiting to hear on Luke O’Neill from Burnley. They’ve assessed him and hopefully it will only be a short term injury, which is a bit of good news.
“You just have to stay positive, which I have from day one entering this job, I’ve always tried to be positive, my cups always half-full.
“You get dealt certain hands that you aren’t that good, last season was great the team just seemed to roll on. We had that consistent team and everyone knew each other’s jobs and I have to say this season has been the total flip of the coin.
“We’ve had nine games and the team's changed in every single game, which is disappointing , but we have to deal that and overcome that and I think the players that are going out at the minute are putting a massive shift in.
“Most of the supporters are appreciating that and I thought the backing at Bristol on Saturday was outstanding, form first whistle to last. Even when we were 2-0 down they were behind us.
“The lads are rewarding what they want. They want to see hard work and endeavour, of course you want to see great football and a winning team, if you can’t get that I think we’ve ticked every box.
“I’m really pleased with the group and we look forward to the Chesterfield game.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox, and others, on The Iron Player.