Preview: Chester (H) - Promotion Final

Words: James Whitbread

The Iron came out victorious last time out, in a six goal thriller against Chorley in the play off semi-final in front of an impressive crowd at the Attis Arena. 

Danny Whitehall got an early opener capitalising from an error at the back, before the visitors got level through before Kole Hall got an immediate equaliser to get the Magpies back in the game. Around 15 minutes later, United scored two in three minutes. Whitehall bagged his second in the 22nd minute, before Cal Roberts put Scunthorpe two goals to the good going into halftime. In the second half Carlton Ubaezuonu made it 4-1 to all but confirm the Iron’s place in the play off final, before a late consolation goal from Kole Hall. Scunthorpe now face a Chester side searching for revenge after the most recent fixture between the two on Community Day, in front of what is set to be another grand attendance at the Attis Arena.

Opponents Chester got to the final after an away trip at Kidderminster Harriers they came out victorious winning 2-1. Kyle Morrison put the hosts into the lead before Dylan Mottley-Henry levelled the scoring before the half time interval. Declan Weeks got the winner in the 82nd minute for the Seals to fire them into the final.

The Iron have shared some exciting clashes with Chester since joining the National League North. In March 2024, both sides broke the record for the highest attendance in the sixth tier of English Football, with a crowd of 7,511 supporters watching the two battle out a 2-2 draw. Liam McAlinden and Jacob Butterfield netted for the Iron on the day, as Ben Tollitt and George Glendon were on the scoresheet for the visitors.

After a 0-0 draw at the Deva Stadium, both sides chasing promotion got ready for another Community Day attendance at the Attis Arena on the 22nd March. The Iron were emphatic winners in a 3-1 result, Cal Roberts opened the scoring nine minutes before half time. Michael Kelly got the second goal of the game in the 57th minute, and 20 minutes later Mo Fadera wrapped up the game before the visitors netted a 91st minute consolation goal scored by Kurt Willoughby. This game also broke the attendance record set by each side just 12 months before this clash, with an attendance of 8,274 fans in the ground for the meeting.

The Iron look set to be without key attacker Cal Roberts in the final after his injury in the first half of the semi-final forced Scunthorpe into an early substitution. The winger has been fundamental for the club this season with an impressive 33 goal involvements this season, netting 21 and assisting 12. If Roberts is to be out of the clash, United will be more than happy with the audition from Carlton Ubaezuonu after replacing Roberts against Chorley and getting his name on the scoresheet.

A couple of Chester players that United need to be aware of are Declan Weeks and Tom Peers. Weeks is a central midfielder currently in his fifth successive season at the Seals sincejoining before the 2020-21 season from Kidderminster Harriers. After bagging a goal last time out in the semi-final against his old side, Weeks will be hoping for more of the same against Scunthorpe to end the season on a positive note. The 29-year-old has scored just four goals this season but has been a great playmaker for his side with 19 assists this season, he is set to be a threat.

Peers joined Chester from Macclesfield in October 2023, and has been an important member of the squad this season putting up some impressive numbers. The 29-year-old has scored 19 goals this season from 45 appearances, and has set up three goals this season. The number seven will be looking to have an impact on this all or nothing promotion final.

With a sell out crowd, there is set to be an intense, nervy atmosphere as both sides face off at the Attis Arena knowing only one side can progress and get promoted into the National League. Andy Butler’s side will be keen to wrap up an action-packed season in style, after missing out on promotion last year, losing on penalties in the play-off semi final, the Iron are just one game away from redemption.