The Iron are back in action on the road, following a home stalemate draw against
Braintree Town.
Jean Belehouan netted the opener inside the opening 15 minutes, and
Rory Mahady maintained United’s one-goal lead with a penalty save just eleven minutes
later. The visitors equaliser came in the 87th minute as Tom Blackwell secured a huge
point for the side looking for survival. Next up is an away clash against the bottom half,
Altrincham.
The hosts have had a tough start to the season, after a series of defeats, one of their longest
serving managers Phil Parkinson parted ways with the club in October, leading to the
appointment of Neil Gibson on an interim basis. After a positive spell as interim boss, earning
three wins, one draw and being defeated just twice from six games, the Welshman has been
announced as the club's new permanent manager in the week in the buildup to this game.
The Robins' league form has been below par overall this season, with 23 points from the opening
20 games, seven wins, two draws and eleven losses. Alty’s home form, however, is on the rise
with five wins and five losses from 10 home matches, and two wins from their last two games on
home soil. The opposition has some positive momentum and will be looking to get back to
winning ways. Altrincham had won three games consecutively before a heavy 3-0 defeat on the
road against high-flying Southend, but after the news of Gibson’s managerial appointment, their
home crowd will be looking to back their boys against the Iron.
A couple of players who will be looking to help the Robin’s is the attacking duo of Jimmy Knowles and
James Gale. Gale, joined Alty from Mansfield in the summer and has popped up with goals for our opponents since making the move, scoring five goals in his opening 21 appearances in all competitions, the 23-year-old is having his best-ever season, having scored more goals than he has scored in any other season, he will be looking to add more to his account. Knowles, also a summer arrival, Boston has kicked on and started really positively for his side and is currently top scorer. The forward has scored nine goals and has assisted two this season, having made 23 appearances in all competitions. Knowles will be hoping to get into double figures for goals
scored against the Iron.
As United look to get back to winning ways after two disappointing results, a revitalised
Altrincham team stands in the way of Scunthorpe. With Neil Gibson looking to start life as
permanent manager off brightly, both teams have a strong incentive to get back to winning ways
making this a huge game for both sides.
