Preview: Needham Market (H)

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron are looking to make it three wins in three from a hectic seven days which will see the Iron play three home games.

After a 3-2 win over Brackley, South Shields were the next task for United and Scunthorpe replicated the result over Brackley with a 3-2 win over the Mariners as well. Joe Rowley opened the scoring, before Paul Blackett equalised just five minutes later. Callum Roberts put the Iron ahead going into the interval with a goal on the stroke of half-time. Danny Whitehall extended Scunthorpe’s lead before Mackenzie Heaney got a goal back nine minutes before the end of the game, Scunthorpe held on to claim all three points.

In the reverse fixture, the Iron travelled to Bloomfields and came out as winners in a cagey affair. Whitehall got the winner with a goal just seven minutes from the end from the penalty spot. Needham head to the Attis Arena with 22 points this season sitting 23rd, one point above bottom place. The Marketmen will be hoping to have turned a corner, six games without a win (four wins, two draws) Needham got back to winning ways on Saturday with a 3-2 victory on the road at Alfreton, as they were 2-0 down before they scored three goals in the final 12 minutes, two of the goals came in stoppage time to overturn the result. Needham Market will be coming to Scunthorpe with momentum and belief having picked up all three points right at the end, in a game they went into as underdogs away from home.

Our opponents have picked up most of their points away from home with 16 of their 22 points claimed on the road, with four wins, four draws and five losses. But while the Iron have only lost one game at home this season it is set to be a tough game for both sides.

A key player for the visitors is central midfielder, Luke Ingram. Ingram has bagged three goals and assisted two goals this season and has been a key player for the Marketmen. Another crucial player for Needham is captain Kieran Morphew. The central defender won Player’s Player of the Year, and Manager's Player of the Year last season and is a fans favourite. Morphew has grabbed two goals this season from defence and is a goal threat from set pieces that the Iron will have to be prepared for.

As both sides go into a Tuesday night clash full of momentum, Andy Butler’s side will be hoping to come out with another victory to make it nine points in seven days, with a chance to jump into first place if Chester drop points and United win.