Words: James Whitbread
The Iron are back in action after an emphatic 3-0 victory against Rushall Olympic, courtesy of goals from Danny Whitehall, Alfie Beestin and Cal Roberts.
On the road against Southport, Scunthorpe will be looking to build on the home victory to maintain the first place spot in these early stages of the season.
Southport have had a mixture of results with two losses, two wins and a draw in their last five fixtures but are coming off the back of a 3-0 defeat away to Leamington Town. Southport will be looking to rejuvenate their form by getting back to winning ways against the Iron and they have some key players that can be a danger to Butlers’ side.
Southport’s number seven, Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick, has had a great start to the season, and has been a key goalscorer but also a key playmaker for the Sandgrounders. The experienced centre forward has netted five league goals this season, and has also set up four goals in his 12 appearances and has had a goal contribution from 50% of Southport's goals in the league this season, (nine goal contributions from the 18 goals scored). The 32-year-old, will be looking to build on his exciting form to start the season off.
Another important player for our opponents is ex-Iron striker, Marcus Carver. Carver has had multiple spells at Southport but after a few loan spells to the Sandgrounders, this summer he signed permanently for them after impressing last season, grabbing 12 goals from 38 appearances. This season despite only grabbing one goal he has set up three goals so far and has been a crucial playmaker and is another player looking to add to their goal tally this weekend.
New permanent signing who came through Chelsea’s academy, has already got off the mark for this season and has become an important player from midfield, as can be seen the fair share of grabbing goals for his side. 33-year-old Danny Philliskirk has got three goals from midfield this season, and he will be looking to keep impacting the result. Last season, after 24 appearances he only bagged one goal in the season, and has already comfortably bettered their form.
As three points continues to be the target for Andy Butler’s side, multiple players from the hosts will need to be contained if they are to take all three points back to the Attis Arena.
