Words: James Whitbread
The Iron are back in action with an away clash against Tamworth in front of a sold out away end kickstarting United’s 2025-26 National League campaign after a celebratory summer, after the club achieved promotion through the play offs last season.
After making an array of new additions to the squad whilst getting some valuable minutes into the team, playing multiple pre season matches most recently concluding pre season games, in a clash away at Worksop, where the game ended 1-1, United’s attention turns to a familiar foe for the season opener.
The Lambs had a successful season last season, after beating the Iron to top spot in the 23/24 season they were promoted to the National League and comfortably stayed up. Tamworth claimed a top half finish in 10th place and only just missed out on a play off spot by four points. As well as their positive league campaign, they also had a successful FA Cup run reaching the 3rd round, beating League One teams Huddersfield and Burton Albion on the way before holding Tottenham Hotspur to extra time in the third round before the Premier League side got their goals in extra time. After making new signings in an attempt to further strengthen their squad, Tamworth will be hoping for another top half finish to solidify their name in the National League after having a ten year hiatus from the division after getting relegated to the National League North in the 2013/14 season.
The last time both sides met was in the 23/24 season, Tamworth finished top of the league with Scunthorpe following in second place, eight points behind the Lambs. The first meeting that season was the season opener at Tamworth’s stadium, as United fought back to win 2-1. Ben Acquaye opened the scoring for the Lambs before a Matt Curley own goal levelled things on the stroke of half time, and it was Danny Whitehall who got the winner for the Iron in the 71st minute. In the reverse fixture at the Attis Arena the visitors got the victory in a tight game in midweek. Tyler Denton saw red in the 53rd minute and once the Iron had ten men the game was an uphill battle as Dan Creaney scored the definitive goal in the 78th minute to give Tamworth a valuable 1-0 victory.
United enter this season optimistic having brought in 7 new additions to the club, Oli Rose signing permanently after impressing on loan last season, centre half Belehouan signing to fill the void of the departure of Maxim Kouogun, new midfielders Dubem Eze and Oliver Ewing being recruited to replace skipper Michael Clunan and provide competition for places, as well as two new attackers entering the frame, Declan Howe and the return of Joey Dawson from Celtic back to the Iron. Rory Watson has also rejoined the club on loan from York to apply some competition in the goalkeeping department. Scunthorpe also managed to keep hold of attacking duo Danny Whitehall and Cal Roberts, our two top scorers last season. With the Iron’s array of attacking talent going into this season all hitting form in pre season, Tamworth’s defence look to have a difficult task ahead.
One huge miss for Tamworth this season without a doubt will a doubt will be the departure of Dan Creaney, the 31 year old attacker who has signed for Solihull Moors was the Lambs top scorer last year with 20 goals in all competitions. With multiple new forwards joining the club Tamworth will hope to have replaced their star man, whilst also letting Tom McGlinchey step up for his side. McGlinchey bagged ten goals last season, only Creaney scored more, but now the right winger could step up and become his side's main threat.
As both sides look to progress from last season and start the season off in the right direction,Scunthorpe’s trip to Tamworth could prove to be pivotal later on in the season as each club will be desperate to get off to winning ways.
