PREVIEW: IRON VS SUNDERLAND U21'S

The Iron opened the season up claiming all three points on the road in their first clash of
the season against Tamworth. Danny Whitehall’s stunning free kick early on, and a lovely
team goal leading to a debut strike from Oli Ewing was enough to see off our opposition
in a tight encounter that saw United claim a perfect start to life in the National League.
Andy Butler’s side's attention to the National League cup to face a youthful Sunderland
U21’s.

Scunthorpe will be full of confidence going into this first home fixture of the season, with multiple
players hitting form early on. After having an attack put on a positive display throughout pre
pre-season, United’s forwards were amongst the goals on Saturday. Whitehall took just four
minutes to get his account up and running, and showed his awareness on the Iron’s second
goal with a tidy dummy. Cal Roberts assisted both goals, winning the free kick for Danny
Whitehall and cutting back a pass for Ewing to dispatch the winner on his first appearance to get
off to a strong start for the club.

Some up and coming Sunderland talents to keep an eye on will be in the squad to face
Scunthorpe, and the newly promoted Premier League side will want to give their younger
characters some valuable game time. 18 year old striker Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi joined the
Black Cats at the age of 10 and is now a high prospect at the club, he made his debut in a FA
Cup defeat against Stoke and the forward scored five league goals last season in the Premier
League U18. Another prospect for Sunderland is midfielder Ben Middlemas with ability
defensively and going forward. After making 28 appearances across the 24/25 campaign often
wearing the captains armband for his side, Middlemas will be eager to further impress.

As the Iron look to further build on their opening day success, the National League Cup is an
opportunity for Andy Butler to deliver game time to squad players and attempt to extend the
confidence of the group as we approach a pivotal season.