Scunthorpe United are back in action on the road to face fellow National League North
promoted side Brackley Town, as we look to keep up our stunning, unbeaten form in the
league.
Last time out at home against Halifax Town, the points were shared after a first
half red card dismissal for United. Branden Horton was sent off after an off the ball
altercation just five minutes before the half time interval, and the Iron faced a difficult
second half with ten men on the pitch but still played their part in a competitive second
half. Cal Roberts opened the scoring to put Scunthorpe 1-0 up, scoring his first goal of
the season, after being provider in the opening games, getting three assists in the
opening three fixtures before getting his first goal of the year. The visitors equalised just
four minutes after the opener, and set up a cagey affair for the final half hour for both
sides, as neither team could find a winner.
Last season Scunthorpe picked up a win in each fixture against the Saints both home and away.
On opening day last year, United won 3-0 on their travels to St James’ Park, Alfie Beestin
netting early before a second half second to net his brace, before Andrew Boyce netted. a third
with around 20 minutes remaining. The last time both sides met was in January at the Attis
Arena as Scunthorpe edged a 3-2 clash. Beestin opened the scoring in the first half before
Maxim Kouogun doubled the lead. Mark Beck also got his moment scoring from close range late
in the second half, cancelling out Matt Lowe and Connor Hall’s second half goals for the
opponents.
Brackley had a great season last year after they miraculously leapfrogged the Iron and
Kidderminster Harriers on the final day of the season to win the title in late fashion, now their
test will be to avoid relegation. Life in the National League hasn’t started too bad for our hosts
either, after four games played the Saints have won two, drawn one and been defeated just
once. A player looking to help Town get a positive result against the Iron is Connor Hall. Hall
scored 18 league goals in his side's impressive 92 point title winning season, and has scored a
couple of goals already in this campaign.
As the Iron travel to their third away match of the season, Andy Butler’s side will be looking to
get back to winning ways against a familiar foe. With Cal Roberts on top form going into this
fixture, and hopes of Declan Howe and Danny Whitehall being back fit for the match, United will
be confident they can take all three points back to Scunthorpe.
