The Iron's Under-18s return to Youth Alliance League action this Saturday for the first time this decade, when they make the journey to face Burton Albion (11am kick-off).
The game will be played at St George's Park (DE13 9PD), and we'll have live coverage on the Academy Twitter site, in addition to a report and reaction from the fixture.
SCENE-SETTER
United were last in action a week prior to Christmas when they overhauled Doncaster Rovers 3-2 away from home courtesy of goals from Joey Dawson and Harry Jessop (two). Prior to that, their FA Youth Cup journey came to an end at the Round Three stage when the side were beaten by West Bromwich Albion.
In beating Rovers, United defeated the league leaders to cut the deficit to just two points. The Iron also now have four games in hand to try to take advantage of, which would effectively give them a ten point lead over the local rivals should maximum points be gained.
Burton Albion come into the game in sixth position with 16 points from 11 games, only below Notts County on goals scored. They too will be looking to take advantage of two games in hand over some sides to push themselves up the division.
The Brewers have been in action twice this year already. Firstly, they were defeated 2-1 at Rotherham United last weekend in the Youth Alliance Cup Northern Area Quarter Final, while on Friday, January 3, they beat Notts County 2-0 at home in the league.
TEAM NEWS
The Iron should be a clean bill of health following the four-week break from action, unless any injuries have been picked up in training.
With first-year goalkeeper Ben Crosher still working his way back to fitness following a fractured wrist sustained in pre-season, Under-16 goalkeeper Jake Balme could make his first appearance for the Under-18s, with Tom Collins most recently being used on the first team bench following the recall of Jake Eastwood to Sheffield United.
LAST LINE-UP: Collins, Baker, Lobley, Silva (Kemp, 85), Barks, Train, L Gallimore (Wilkinson, 90), Shrimpton (D Gallimore, 78), Jessop, Dawson, Chadli (Wilson, 85).
SUBS NOT USED: Balme.
OTHER FIXTURES IN THE YOUTH ALLIANCE LEAGUE NORTH EAST CONFERENCE
Grimsby Town v Huddersfield Town (11:30am)
Lincoln City v Chesterfield (11am)