PREVIEW: PETERBOROUGH SPORTS (H)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron are looking to get back to winning ways after falling short at King’s Lynn losing 1-0. Gold Omatayo scored the opener in the 14th minute, before Scunthorpe looked to grab a goal, despite pressure for an equaliser United failed to cancel out Omatayo’s early opener. Back on home turf, Scunthorpe face an inconsistent Peterborough Sports in a game where the Iron are desperate to win in order to keep title hopes alive.

In the reverse fixture, Cal Roberts got Scunthorpe the win in late fashion. United won 1-0 away from home and the winner from Cal Roberts came in the 86th minute to confirm all three points.

With three wins in their last nine, two draws, four defeats, Peterborough Sports have struggled for form coming into this clash. Despite being safe from relegation, play-offs are also not possible for the Turbines, therefore with two games to go they have nothing to play for. After winning against Needham, they will be looking to spoil Scunthorpes title chances and upset the home crowd as the Iron are in need of a win and some luck in their favour in Kidderminster and Brackley’s results.

Peterborough Sports have a couple of players who could find themselves a handful to deal with on Easter Monday. Michael Gyasi has impressed since signing for the Turbines before the start of the season. Gyasi has bagged 15 goals this season and assisted nine, the German centre forward’s output has been crucial to his side as he has been involved in 38% of Peterborough’s goals this season.

Another key player for the visitors is goal-getting midfielder Dan Jarvis. The 25 year old has been a key starter for his side with 37 league appearances this season, Jarvis has been important going forward for Peterborough Sports too. Dan Jarvis has bagged eight goals and assisted twice for the Turbines, proving himself to be a source for goals in this side, making him a player United have to watch out for.

Despite the threats Peterborough Sports hold with Jarvis and Gyasi, Scunthorpe United will be desperate to impress in their last home game of the season, as they look to apply pressure on Brackley and Kidderminster in the final two games of the season hoping for mistakes by the top two to keep their title hopes alive. Both promotion rivals sit on 86 points, with United still on 84 points after losing away last time out to knock the Iron from top spot to third place. In order to reclaim top spot, Scunthorpe need to win their final two hopes for Kidderminster to lose one of their final two games and Brackley to draw one of their last two matches. A difficult task, but a task that Andy Butler’s side will be up for as we approach our penultimate game of the season.