The Iron are back in action on the road, for a festive Boxing Day fixture away to
Hartlepool. Last time out, Scunthorpe made it four wins in four, after a big 2-1 victory
away against an in-form Woking side. Danny Whitehall opened the scoring with a
fantastic diving header in the 18th minute, before an emphatic strike from Dec Howe
doubled the lead in the 74th minute. The hosts got one back through Joshua Osude, but
it ended up being no more than a consolation goal.
Our opponents will be looking to climb into the top seven spots with a victory, sitting just one
place behind Southend, with just one point more than them. But their good run of form recently
took a hit, as they have gone three games without a victory. After going seven games unbeaten,
four wins, three draws, the hosts lost two out of their last three and most recently drew 0-0 in a
stalemate match against Braintree. As they enter a three game run of matches against the Iron,
table toppers Rochdale, and Woking who sit just three points behind them, breathing down The
Pool’s necks, Nicky Featherstone will be desperate for a turn in form.
As the Iron’s attack starts to hit form with goal involvements from Dec Howe, Danny Whitehall
and Cal Roberts last time out, and the constant threat from Tyler Sellars-Fleming this season,
The Monkey Hangers defence have to be up for the task this weekend and a familiar face could
be in for a tough game. Maxim Kouogun joined Hartlepool from United this summer and has
been an important player with 22 appearances in the league this season. The ex-Iron stalwart
will be determined to shut down the Scunthorpe attack.
An attacking duo that could impact the scoreline for the hosts, are top scorers Alex Reid and
Vadaine Oliver. Reid has scored more than any Pool player in the league this season with five
goals and one assist to his name, from 18 league appearances a threat to all defences. Another
attacker with a prolific record for the hosts is Oliver, with four goals scored this season from just
eight matches played, a very impressive record.
As both sides look to move up the table on Boxing Day, Andy Butler’s side will be hoping it’s his
team who take the chance to move above a side in the table, with a chance to leapfrog Carlisle
in the table. Whilst our opponents have a big opportunity to break into the playoff positions, it’s a
question of which side will get three points for Christmas.
