…or, at least, we’re hoping the gaffer has something up his sleeve for this weekend’s trip to Scunthorpe. It does seem as if we’re making it harder for sides to walk into the Lamex and leave with all three points. And that’s a good thing – yeah? It got us off the bottom of the table last week, didn’t it? So, what next? Well, eight games without a win on the road is a stat that could do with some knocking into shape. Might even pick up another league place or two if we end our travel troubles at Scunny. We could go to dizzying new heights.
That’s the plan innit, Mr Sampson?
Scunthorpe United v Stevenage: The Preview…
What is a Scunthorpe United?
It’s now more than eight years since our first meeting with the Iron. But us coming down from League One and them going up from League Two means it’s also almost six years since our last encounter. It’s probably for the best, to be fair. Our battles aren’t known for being their goals. Maybe that’s changed now, though? After tumbling out of League One last term, the Iron are dangerously near another trapdoor. Can we edge ’em closer to it?
Our head-to-head: P 4 — W 1 — D 1 — L 2 — F 3 — A 4 — Pts 4
Last time out: Scunthorpe United 1-0 Stevenage, 26 February 2013
What is Scunthorpe’s current form?
After losing seven of their first eight league fixtures, the Iron have – annoyingly – found a bit of rhythm. It’s not title-winning form by any stretch, but they’ve now only lost two of the last nine. And home comforts are suiting them well; 86% of their points haul to date have come at Glanford Park. But you can also put that down to their rubbish away record.
It doesn’t help our cause that Scunthorpe have 21 goals to their name already. Again, it’s nothing super special. But then you compare that number to the paltry 12 we’ve managed and it doesn’t put you at ease. Still, the Iron have shipped at least one goal in 75% of their home matches. Northampton and Morecambe are the two that make up the other quarter.
Both of them ended up losing 3-0. So, does that mean we will too if we can’t find the goal?
Tell us something about Scunthorpe United we don’t* know…
Sure, Kevin Keegan and Ray Clemence once turned out for the Iron. But so did someone by the name of Ian Terence Botham. Not sure whatever became of him though…
Ever fallen in love (with someone you shouldn’t’ve)?
Well, we were fond of Jean-Michel Sigere back in the day. But we don’t think it was ‘love’.
What are the bookies saying?
With such healthy home form to fall back on, the bookies are going with a Scunthorpe win and we don’t blame ’em. It’s hard to get to much worth your while, however; the best price we’ve seen is 97/100 (Marathon). It does, however, mean a Boro’ win could be a nice little earner at 16/5 (Bet365). Not often known for its goals, meanwhile, this fixture to see Under 2.5 Goals is 47/50 (Marathon). Or go mad at 12/5 for Over 3.5 Goals. Your call, to be fair.
Which Scunthorpe United player should we watch out for?
Often the man pulling the strings for the Iron from midfield, Matthew Lund is now into his second season with the club. With two goals in his first term at Glanford Park, the English-born Norn Iron midfielder has already passed that mark this time around. So far this term, Lund has three goals, two assists and a sending off to his name.
Who is reffing this?
Backhouse’s back, alright! Anthony Backhouse is the ref and how we wish he wasn’t. The best we’ve managed on his watch is our 2-2 draw at Port Vale in March 2018. If you think that doesn’t sound too bad, just remember we were up by two goals in that one. So, don’t be thinking this ref is an omen anything other than bad. This season, he’s taken charge of 10 matches – most of which have been away wins. Insert expectant eye emoji thing here?
Our Record: P 3 — W 0 — D 1 — L 2 — F 3 — A 5
Last time out: Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Stevenage, 29 December 2018
And, finally, what do you reckon?
If this was being played in early September, we’d fancy our chances of bringing the points home. And that was even though we were having our own issues at that time. But, now, it ain’t as simple as that. In the form that Scunny are in (not least on their own turf), we’re up against it. All things considered, we’d rather this was Walsall away at this point in time.
Scunthorpe United v Stevenage scorecast: 2-1 – going down to a crushing late goal.
