Scunthorpe won again in the Vanarama National League North after a characteristic performance, and did so courtesy of late goals from Danny Elliott and Dion Sembie-Ferris that cancelled out Brandon Smalley’s first half goal to seal all three points and a 2-1 victory.
The Iron returned to National League North action after their midweek triumph in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup, with hopes of maintaining the momentum needed heading into the play-offs with a win against already relegated Gloucester City. The encounter was to be both sides last competitive league fixture for the season as well as being the Scunthorpe’s second furthest away trip this campaign, second only to Hereford.
In regard to the United team for the game, first team manager Jimmy Dean remained rotated from last Saturday’s statement victory over Blyth Spartans by making seven alterations across the pitch. Firstly, newly acquired loan goalkeeper Dan Langley claimed his place between the sticks, and more notably technically talented wide-man Jason Law returned from a lengthy foot injury to earn his spot in the starting XI.
After a delayed start due to a medical emergency in the stands, the Iron were finally able to get the proceedings underway through Jacob Butterfield. Immediately, Scunthorpe got to work on breaking down their opponents by attacking in fluid, swift moves through the channels.
Despite the fast-paced start from United, the travelling supporters were made to wait until the tenth minute to see the Tigers' defence troubled. It was the returning Law who crafted the chance as he was allowed to turn and drive at the Gloucester defence, with space to operate the former Mansfield man hammered a powerful shot towards goal but it went straight down the keeper’s throat.
No more than 15 minutes had been played when Gloucester responded with a dangerous attack of their own. It was formed on the half way line when Brandon Smalley robbed possession and drove at the Iron backline. Smalley attempted to go up against Maxim Kouogun who blocked his effort and turned it behind for a corner. The resulting corner was driven low to the edge of the area which allowed Harry Pinchard to have a shot from the edge of the area that stung the bar much to Langley’s relief.
As the half progressed, the sides became more and more locked in a tight affair and were exchanging blows. It was the hosts who made the most of their chances however by taking the lead midway through the first period. It was Smalley again who played creator as he collected a loose ball and drove at the Iron defence, under an abundance of pressure Smalley snapped an effort towards Langley that somehow crept beneath him to make it 1-0.
Despite United’s combined efforts they were unable to find a route back into the tie before the half-time break and found themselves with an uphill battle on their hands for the second period.
As play resumed for the second period, Scunthorpe required a major shift in momentum if they wanted to fight back to gain the points, and would go on to do just that.
After a number of half chances that resulted to nothing, the Iron were able forge a fantastic chance to draw the scores level. Some neat build up play down the left flank found Liam McAlinden in acres of space. Under no pressure, McAlinden swung a pinpoint cross toward the back post that found the lurking run of Ross Barrows at the back post, Barrows connecting with the header and sent his effort soaring mere meters wide of the target.
With 20 minutes remaining United were desperate need of an equaliser and finally it was found at the most important of times. After patiently awaiting the opportunity Scunthorpe found Jacob Butterfield on the left-hand side, with no time to take a touch Butterfield hung a delicate cross to the far post that found the rising leap of Elliott who met the delivery with a powerful header that crept over the line to equalise the score.
Now on level terms, Scunthorpe were in free-flow and had high hopes of claiming the winner. Despite the Tigers' strong-willed approach that saw them earn a number of set-pieces in promising positions, United found a way to obtain a goal that put them in the lead for the first time in the game. It was Elliott who turned provider this time around and created the goal with a scintillating through ball to find substitute Dion Sembie-Ferris who stormed through on goal and dinked the ball over goalkeeper Jared Thompson to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes to play.
As time began to run out for the hosts, who now found themselves chasing the game, it appeared that United were not yet finished and continued to progress deeper into the Tigers half. However, despite the sustained pressure there were no further goals to note as Scunthorpe held strong and protected their lead right up until the final whistle.
With that the game came to a close, hence signifying a fourth straight league win for the Iron as they head into the all-important play-offs.
IRON: Langley, Kouogun, Evans, Beestin, Elliott, McAlinden, Butterfield, Scales (Clunan, 63), Corbett (Sembie-Ferris, 63), Law (Whitehall, 63) Barrows.
IRON SUBS: Ogle, Pugh.
