Preview: Radcliffe (A)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron are back on the road after their home triumph over Southport, as they travel to face an out--of-form Radcliffe side sat just one position above the final relegation spot.

Last time out, Scunthorpe built on the impressive win over Chester with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Southport. Both goals were netted inside the opening 40 minutes of play. Kian Scales put United 1-0 up just past the 10th minute and Carlton Ubaezuonu doubled our lead in the 38th minute. Our opposition managed to keep the scoreline at 2-0 despite strong pressure from Scunthorpe in the second half for a third.

Even on home soil our opponents on Saturday have struggled for form this season. Radcliffe have hosted 21 games this season, winning just seven, drawing twice and losing the other 12 games, only three sides have picked up less points (Farsley, Needham Market, Warrington). As the league leaders Scunthorpe enter town, life is not expected to get much better any time soon for the Boro.

With just five games left to play, both sides find themselves on the complete other half of the table. The Iron lead the league by two points, as they seem to be entering a late title showdown with Kidderminster Harriers where every point is extremely crucial. Radcliffe find themselves one position above the drop zone in 20th, just seven points above the last relegation spot.

Despite looking like they’re almost safe with just fifteen points left to play for of the season, any point the Boro pick up now is major as they look for their confirmation of safety for the season. The two attacking threats for Radcliffe are duo Jordan Hulme and Danny Greenfield. Jordan Hulme has got himself 16 goal involvements this season from his 35 appearances. The experienced 34-year-old has bagged 10 goals this season netting more than any other Boro player this season. The number nine has also assisted six goals this season, clearly an attacker with an eye for a pass and not just for goal.

Danny Greenfield has been an integral part of Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson’s side, since signing for Radcliffe in the summer before the season from Farsley Celtic. The 24-year-old has been involved in every one of Radcliffe’s league fixtures and has made 41 league appearances from Boro’s 41 games played. Greenfield has been an attacking threat from midfield too, with eight goals and three assists to his name. Greenfield and Hulme will be looking to grab Radcliffe their first league victory after four games without a victory.

As Kidderminster look to continue ramping up pressure upon the Iron, with just two points between the two, three points feels essential going into every game towards the end of the season. With Radcliffe also looking to get back into form to steer clear of the relegation zone, this anticipated clash is set to be a huge game for both sides.