Preview: Curzon Ashton (H)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron made it four wins in four last time out away at Warrington, now the target will be to pick up another victory this time a home clash against promotion chasing Curzon Ashton.

United picked up a brave victory in their last match as they headed up to Warrington at a tough stadium to visit. It took Scunthorpe an hour to open the scoring, Danny Whitehall got the goal to get back in the scoresheet after blanking against Needham Market. Loanee Mo Fadera sealed the victory as he scored his first goal for the club, to give Scunthorpe a first away triumph of the year.

Andy Butler has overseen a run of five games unbeaten, and just one loss in the Iron’s last 13 outings, (eight wins and four draws). The positive form has pushed us to just one point behind top spot Chester, with a game in hand over the opposition as tension builds towards what looks set to be a huge encounter between the two on Community Day at the Attis Arena on March 22nd with hopes of a replication of last year’s 7,511 attendance for the fixture.

Curzon have started to struggle in their recent fixtures, with just one win in their last five they will be looking to get back to winning ways if they still have title aspirations. The Nash came to the Attis Arena fresh off the back of a 1-0 loss at home against King’s Lynn Town after suffering a goal in the 51st minute the hosts failed to overturn the result.

Despite recent form struggles, no side has picked up more points on the road than the visitors. Curzon have managed 32 points from a possible 42, winning 10, drawing two, and losing just two of their last 14 games.

Our opposition have a couple of attackers who could find themselves to be a handful for defenders, as they both look to restore their sides form. Curzon captain and number nine, Jimmy Spencer is a fan favourite and an integral member of player manager Craig Mahon’s squad. The 33-year-old has scored six goals this season and created seven in 24 appearances and will be hoping his experience can be found helpful to the Nash. A familiar face to the Iron, having turned out for the side over a decade ago, Spencer also scored the winner in this corresponding fixture last season.

Another key player for Curzon Ashton is their number 7, who has found himself to be a crucial part of his side from the wing. 26 year old Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, came through the Manchester City academy and has lots of experience at different clubs for his age. Buckley-Ricketts joined his team before the start of the season and has been involved in eight goals from 24 appearances, with five goals scored and three assists.

A victory could be enough to put the Iron top of the league depending on other results in the division.