Words: James Whitbread
United got a home victory over Leamington last time out, after a Callum Roberts penalty goal was enough to see the Iron claim all three points. The next test for Scunthorpe is a midweek clash under the lights away at Alfreton.
In the reverse fixture at the Attis Arena, neither side could get the three points as the match ended in a stalemate. With Alfreton desperate for a win and Scunthorpe hot on the tails of Brackley Town, who lead the table just one point ahead of the Iron, both sides will be looking to register an important victory for different reasons.
Slipping down the table, our opponents Alfreton haven’t won in their last six league matches (five losses, one draw) and the Reds will be desperate for a change in fortune. Town have really struggled at home this season having picked up the majority of their points in the road, Alfreton have played 16 home matches and won just five, drawn four and lost seven, and their last home victory dates back to December 2024.
A few players with the potential to cause the Iron some harm and get Town a good result are Liam Waldock, Jed Abbey and Lewis Salmon. Liam Waldock, 24 year old midfielder has been a key player for the Reds since signing from Gainsborough before the 23/24 season. Wearing the number 10 shirt, Waldock has become an integral part of Alfreton’s team and has become a fan favourite. Liam Waldock has grabbed five goals from midfield and assisted twice and will be looking to show his worth against United.
Another central midfielder for Town, Jed Abbey is another real threat for this Alfreton side. Since signing in the summer Abbey has been very impressive playing from midfield and picking up stats of an attacker. The Dutch 23 year old has netted nine goals from midfield and assisted twice, some impressive numbers that he will be looking to build on.
Attacker Lewis Salmon signed in the summer after a few moves on loan from his parent club Nottingham Forest, including one at his current club Alfreton in 21/22, and more recently at Telford before signing permanently at Town in the summer, and he hasn’t disappointed since the move. In his spell at the Reds in 2021-22 he played just eight league games and grabbed one goal as an inexperienced 20 year old, this season Salmon has been a real important player joint top scorer with Jed Abbey, having scored nine goals and assisted three from centre forward.
As the Iron go into this away clash unbeaten in 11 in contrast to our opposition's record of being winless in six, three points are still very important to both sides. A win could help Scunthorpe go top, should results elsewhere go in their favour.
