The Iron finished the league campaign in second place after Carlton Ubaezuonu got the single goal of the match in the first half, now Scunthorpe’s task is a play-off semi-final tie against Chorley.
In both home and away matches this season between the two, no side has got the win. At the Attis Arena, Danny Whitehall’s opener on the stroke of half time was cancelled out by Kole Hall in the 85th minute. Away from home both teams battled out a 2-2 clash. Mike Calveley opened the scoring in the fifth minute, before Cal Roberts’ free kick made it level in stoppage time of the first half. Jack Sampson put the Magpies back in front five minutes into the second half before Danny Whitehall netted to level things up. With extra time and penalties an option, there has to be a winner this time, with both teams hoping to get it done in the ninety minutes.
Both sides coming into this game are in good form, the Iron have won their last two and have three wins in their last four. Chorley have also claimed three victories in their last four, and have won their last three as they travel to Lincolnshire full of confidence. Scunthorpe lost just once a home in the league all season and have really made the Attis Arena a fortress. In contrast, the visitors have struggled on the road this season, with seven wins, seven draws and nine defeats in the league, a home advantage for the Iron may be too much for the visitors in this season defining game with a huge crowd expected.
The Magpies have a couple of dangerous players, the Iron will be aware of. Mike Calveley and Kole Hall are two dangerous threats both from midfield and attack. 25 year old midfielder, Calaveley, has been an important player for his side making 45 appearances this season missing just one game with an output of 17 goal involvements, scoring 12 and assisting five and bagging a goal in the last fixture between both sides.
Attacker Kole Hall has also been a focal point and constant goal threat for the Magpies this season, from 33 appearances Hall has managed 12 goal involvements scoring 10 and setting up two. After finding the back of the net in the earlier fixture at the Attis Arena, he’ll be hoping to Replicate something similar on this big occasion.
Andy Butler’s side will know the importance of this fixture after last season's defeat in the play-off semi-final against Boston. The Iron will be looking to rectify the errors made last season and get the all important victory, to get the club one step closer to promotion.
