Words: James Whitbread
The Iron will be looking to get back to winning ways after a stalemate draw away to Oxford, where no side could break the deadlock. United’s next text is a clash up against play-off chasing Darlington, on a Tuesday night under the Attis Arena lights.
In the reverse fixture in Darlington, neither side came out on top and the game ended goalless. As both teams go into this game in good form, a close test is to be expected.
Darlo are unbeaten in their last three and have lost just twice in their last 15 league matches (eight wins, five draws and two losses). Last time out Darlington picked up a valuable three points on home turf against King’s Lynn, as Kallum Griffiths early goal in the fifth minute ended up being the winner.
Sitting just five points away from the final play-off position, Darlo will be hoping they can make up ground over the teams around them. The side from the north east’s current table position perhaps doesn’t represent their true position as they have a couple of games in hand which would push them into the top seven should they win them.
As the focus Darlington is set on their clash against the Iron, they will be hoping to improve their away form which has been unpredictable this season. Darlo have played 15 league matches away from home this season, winning five, drawing five and losing five.
Darlington have a couple of players who will be looking to cause Scunthorpe some damage, Cedric Main and Will Hatfield. Cedric Main is the clubs top scorer this season, the centre forward has bagged eight goals this season and claimed two assists. After joining last season in the January transfer window, the 27 year old has become a fan favourite and will be looking to get another key goal for Darlo.
Experienced goal-getting midfielder Will Hatfield is another integral part of Steve Watson’s team. The 33 year old has grabbed seven goals in the league and two assists for Darlo, if anyone can hurt Scunthorpe it is him.
With the Iron looking to claim top spot should results go their way elsewhere, and our opponents looking to further breathe down the necks of the play-off spots it is set to be a close affair.
