Words: James Whitbread
The Iron look to bounce back from their first defeat in 13 league matches, after being narrowly beaten 1-0 in a difficult away match against Kidderminster Harriers.
The next challenge for United is a highly anticipated clash against second-placed Chester, with everything to play for in front of a crowd in good numbers.
In the reverse fixture away from home, the result ended 0-0 with neither side being able to register a goal. As we come closer to this match, over 8,000 tickets have been sold and the fixture is set to break attendance records for this division, previously broken in this Community Day fixture last season before being bettered just over a month later in the Iron’s play-off tie against Boston, both sides will be hoping for more entertainment this time around.
Last season Chester finished 10th in the table, six points off the play off positions. Calum McIntyre’s side have responded this season with a strong showing so far, as they come towards the business end of their seventh season in this division after they came down from the National League, they will be hoping finally this year is their year to get promotion.
Away from home, the visitors have picked up an array of results as they will be hoping to improve their record on the road this season. From their 19 away games, the Blues have won nine, drawn four, and been defeated in six. In contrast, Scunthorpe have lost just once on home turf this season with 11 wins, seven draws, and just one defeat from 19 fixtures.
Chester haven’t won in their last two away games and will be hoping to eradicate their form, after the Seals were defeated 3-2 against Chorley after a surprise comeback from the hosts, in their away clash against Oxford City it ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Their last away win came against bottom of the league Farsley Celtic, Chester snuck away with the three points as Tom Peers’ opener ended up being the winner in the match.
A player United will be looking to watch is prolific attacker, Peers. He has netted 17 goals and assisted twice this season from 39 appearances, and will be keen to extend his record in front of a nearly sold out away end. Another important player for the Seals is goal scoring centre half, Harrison Burke. The 22-year-old centre back is not only a great defender but has also proven himself to be a real goal scoring threat, with 10 goals and two assists this season.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Chester’s season has been their response to losing key player, Charlie Caton. The 22-year-old was ripping up the league and was a real contender for the National League North golden boot. Caton had 14 goals and two assists from 25 games and was in great form, before Accrington Stanley in league two triggered his release clause to sign him.
Since losing the Welshman, the Blues have lost just twice from their last 14, with nine wins, three draws and two defeats.As the Iron come into this crucial fixture top of the league, second placed Chester sit just two points behind us looking to leapfrog us in the table in front of their sold out away allocation. Despite the defeat in midweek, United will be hoping the crowd can propel them on to victory to push Andy Butler's side one step closer to the title.
