Words: James Whitbread
Scunthorpe United shared the points last time out, on a trip to Eastleigh in midweek to
play a rescheduled fixture. The result ended just like it did six weeks previously until the
late abandonment, the score line ending 1-1. A Danny Whitehall penalty gave the Iron a
one goal advantage, but an equaliser from the hosts in the 76th minute scored by Ciaran
McGuckin, was the final goal of the match. Now back at the Attis Arena with a home
advantage, United will be looking to get back to winning ways and take all three points
against a struggling Aldershot Town side.
The visitors making the 200 mile trip to Scunthorpe sit low in the table in 19th place on 13
points, one point above the relegation zone and just four points above bottom of the league
Sutton United. The Shots haven’t won in their last five league fixtures, four losses and one draw,
and have won just one in their last ten, (five losses, four draws and one victory). As they look to
protect their place above the drop zone, Town will be desperate to get back to winning ways, a
victory that would be just their second league win on the road this season.
Two players who could hurt the Iron, posing a threat to the Iron defence are Kwame Thomas
and Josh Barrett. Kwame Thomas has been on top form this season for his side. The 30 year
old forward has hit the ground running this season, with five goals and two assists from his 16
appearances, and two goals in his last two games, Thomas is hoping to keep up his good run of
form against United. Josh Barrett is another Aldershot forward who has had plenty of goal
contributions in this early stage of the season.
Last season Barrett netted 19 goals and got four assists from 48 games, and the Irishman has
shown no signs of slowing down his goalscoring yet. Barrett has scored five goals and got four
assists so far, and netted a brace recently in a FA Cup Qualifying match against Dorking
Wanderers.
As Scunthorpe go into this match just three points away from table toppers Rochdale, and just
two points off second and third place Boreham Wood and Carlisle, getting back to winning ways
is key in order to keep up with the three front runners fighting for top spot. Our opponents are
hoping to relieve some pressure as they look to move away from the relegation zone.
