Preview: Woking (H)

Scunthorpe had a great start back to life in the National League beating a tough
Tamworth side 2-1 on the opening day, but will be looking to stay undefeated in the
league after a defeat in midweek in the National League Cup against Sunderland U21s.
The Iron went 2-0 up inside the opening half an hour, after Carlton Ubaezuonu and Joey
Dawson bagged to put Scunthorpe two goals to the good. But a resilient performance
from the young Black Cats side helped inspire a comeback, winning 3-2 late on.

The Iron welcome a Woking side also looking to get back to winning ways, after an open day
2-0 defeat against Carlisle. The Cardinals also suffered a defeat in midweek in the National
League Cup, losing 2-0 to two stoppage time goals against a West Ham U21’s side. Woking will
have a tough challenge on their hands, looking for victory on away grounds against an Iron
attack in good form.

Last season a huge asset to Scunthorpe’s promotion push was their strong home form, making
the Attis Arena a fortress. The Iron conceded just 14 goals from their 23 home matches, and
scored more at home than any other team in the division, netting 49 goals. After achieving
promotion, strong home form may be necessary for Scunthorpe to adapt to the division, and the
victory on opening day puts the Iron in a strong position early on in the season.

On Tuesday night, Danny Whitehall, Declan Howe and Oliver Ewing got valuable rest and will
be in strong contention to start for Andy Butler’s side after their solid displays against Tamworth.
Danny Whitehall’s opener played its part in United’s victory and a lovely dummy to let Oliver
Ewing finish nicely what turned out to be the winner, were fundamental parts of an all round
fantastic performance from the striker. New signing Declan Howe was more of an unsung hero
on the weekend, playing on the wing his constant hard work down the flanks didn’t go
unnoticed, he will be keen to get on the scoresheet after staying rested throughout the week.
Fan voted man of the match, Oliver Ewing had a superb debut, showing his qualities making an
immediate impact and earning himself a spot in National League Paper’s team of the day.

A real dangerous player for the visitors is club captain, central midfielder, Harry Beautyman. The
33 year old was a star player for the Cardinals last season, bagging 14 goals and assisting
three times in the 44 appearances made across the season last year. The number 7 will be
looking to get back to goal scoring form this season starting with this clash against Scunthorpe.

After an important first victory on the road this season, the Iron will be hoping to carry their form
on home soil last season into the 25/26 campaign, to further build momentum so soon into the season.