After an away triumph over Hartlepool, the Iron return to home action targeting a sixth
consecutive victory. Scunthorpe won 2-1 last time out. Cal Roberts opened the scoring
with a penalty before doubling the advantage with a fantastic solo goal with twenty
minutes left to play. Matty Daly’s goal with just over ten minutes left ended up being
nothing more than a consolation. Up next is a struggling Gateshead side, heading to the
Attis Arena having lost ten consecutive matches.
The visitor’s last league victory came in September over Morecambe; all five victories this
season came in the opening two months of the season. Only Truro have picked up fewer points
than our opponents, 19 points, Truro has managed just one point less than the side from
Tyneside. With 56 goals conceded from 23 fixtures, The Heed statistically have the leakiest
defence in the division, 56 goals conceded, leaving the side with a -28 goal difference.
Alun Armstrong was appointed as the first team manager in the summer, and ex-Iron midfielder
Jacob Butterfield joined him in the coaching staff in a player/assistant manager role. After a
tough start to the season, the duo will be looking to see a drastic turn in form with some hopes to
avoid relegation. An upset victory at the Attis Arena could inspire a good run of form, as just two
points separate Gateshead from Braintree in the first spot outside the drop zone.
Butterfield left the Iron at the end of the 23/24 season, and was a match decider for Scunthorpe
at the age of 33. Two years on, the experienced midfielder’s last 90 minutes came on the 29th
November, with ten league appearances this season with one goal and two assists. Iron fans
will be aware of Jacob’s quality and potential threat.
As the leakiest defence arrives in Scunthorpe, our forward line could be a key component behind
a victory for the Iron. Cal Roberts comes into this fixture off the back of a brace, Danny
Whitehall and Dec Howe scored in the away trip against Woking and will be looking to get back
on the scoresheet.
As Andy Butler’s side look to close points on Carlisle, Forest Green and York City, all three
points above the Iron, level on 49 points, the visitors are aware that a surprise victory could take
them out of the relegation zone should results go their way.
