PREVIEW: WEALDSTONE (H)

The Iron return to home soil after picking up a third successive draw, taking just the one point back from Eastleigh.

Declan Howe came off the bench to net late on, putting United a goal to the good in the 83rd minute before the hosts scored a shock equaliser in stoppage time scored by Harvey Saunders. The match ended on a rather sour note after an unfortunate head collision took place late on, between Jean Belehouan and Archie Harris forced the fixture to be abandoned, both players have since announced they are already on the road to recovery.

Scunthorpe’s opening six games has seen them make it through unbeaten with 12 points picked
up, after winning the opening three, the Iron have drawn three consecutive games. In all three
recent draws, Scunthorpe have taken the lead before a lapse in concentration in defence costs
Andy Butler’s side two points. Against Halifax despite taking the lead with ten men, a point with
a red card for over 45 minutes left Iron fans content with the result. After conceding a late
equaliser in the 98th minute against Brackley and Eastleigh on the road, a change in fortune will
be desperately needed in order to get back to winning ways.

The visitors have a young attacker who has shown he has the capabilities to hurt defences in
these early stages of the season, he will be looking to take advantage of the Iron’s early
defensive struggles as Scunthorpe are yet to keep a clean sheet this season. Sean Adarkwa
has netted three goals this season and is currently the Royals’ top scorer, and the forward
played a key role in their last outing up against Southend bagging a second half brace inside
three minutes. The 24 year old is entering his third season at the club after only managing five
appearances in the 24/25 season, Adarkwa has already made more appearances this season
than the entirety of last season, and he has hit the ground running.

As both teams head into this game with the same points, the Iron having played a game less,
this fixture is sure to be a close test that may well come down to the comfort of the home crowd.
With a fantastic home record last season and no side in National League North picking up more
points on home soil than Scunthorpe and a positive start to this season, the hosts will be hoping
that can be the difference maker once more.