Preview: Brackley Town (A)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron are back in action in the Vanarama National League North, as we kick off our campaign against Brackley Town. Last season Brackley finished third, just three points behind Scunthorpe; their season ended when they were defeated at home in the play-off final against Boston United.

We start the campaign on the road against another team, who will be hoping to be right at the top challenging for this title at the end of the season. The Iron’s away form last season was not bad with a respectable 36 points from a possible 69 points. Only two sides picked up more points on the road last season (Curzon and Tamworth). In both league games last season against the side, the home team won, and the Iron will be aiming to put a stop to this as the away team on Saturday. At home United won the game 1-0 courtesy of a Jacob Butterfield strike, in our last battle the Saints took all three points winning 2-0 with goals from Alex Grudger and Connor Hall.

As both teams look to improve after last season, new signings are supposed to make both teams stronger and both clubs have been active this transfer window, looking to get promoted this season after narrowly missing out last season.

Brackley have brought in four new signings as they look to challenge for promotion again, and they have signed four new players who will look to make the difference. Attacker, Matt Lowe has rejoined the club after he previously spent six years at Brackley making 207 appearances scoring 26 goals. He has signed for the Saints after he spent two years away from Brackley at Accrington Stanley. Matt Lowe is not the only attacker joining Brackley, Connor Hall has joined the club after being on loan last season, scoring nine goals in 21 appearances.

Town have also signed a new man between the sticks, 30-year-old goalkeeper Jonny Maxted is Town's new number one, replacing their last goalkeeper Danny Lewis who retired from football after last season. The Saints have also signed midfielder Scott Pollock, the 23-year-old has had a season out of football after his time at Yeovil Town where he made just seven appearances at the club. Pollocks’ most successful season was at Boston United in the 2022-23 season, where he netted 14 goals in 27 appearances from midfield.

The Iron’s transfer incomings are set to also make us stronger, ex-Chorley attacker Carlton Ubaezuonu joined the club, and has already impressed in pre-season. Sam Fishburn has signed for the Iron after a year on loan at York City. Attacking midfielder Joe Rowley joined the club after a spell at Fylde.

Max Brogan joined United after his spell last season at Buxton. A key defender for Boston last season who played a massive part in getting them promoted has joined the Iron as well, Brad Nicholson has signed for the Iron. Scunthorpe have also permanently signed Maison Campbell after he was on loan as a back-up goalkeeper.

After both teams have been busy in the market it’s time for the new signings to make the difference for their respective clubs this season.