There is always expectation and Iron hope for Scunthorpe. We are a demanding bunch but nothing like the expectation piled upon the Lincolnshire club. Fifteen years ago, the Iron were a Championship club. Just three years ago they were in the EFL. Far too many there can only see horror not pleasure in non-league.
Their board is still fighting to overcome the financial carnage bought about by a takeover two years ago. By their own admission, Scunthorpe are losing £10,000 per week. A key factor is the core of the squad being on lavish two-year deals which finish next month. Unless another large donor is found, those players will probably be leaving, promotion or not. Their supporters have questioned the squad motivation after every defeat.
Following an embarrassing defeat by Rushall (it’s not just us) the Iron) enjoyed a 13-game unbeaten run to hit the front and look comfortable for automatic promotion. Recent sway defeats at allowed rival clubs to catch up. Their away record of 10-5-7 is very similar to our own. The key difference is they’ve lost the last 3 away games in a row – all 1-0. Obvious man to watch is striker Callum Roberts with 19 goals. His regular partner and target man Danny Whitehall (14 goals) hasn’t played since early February but returned to the starting line-up on Monday. The one Hereford connection is former Bull Will Evans who left Edgar Street in 2013. He is now 33 years old and remains first choice central defender for the Iron.
Their allocation for Edgar Street sold out in a couple of hours amid panic and regulars missing out. Curiously, hundreds of tickets went unsold for the previous game at Kings Lynn. Defeat there led to a lot of ticket trading for Hereford. Many have decided not to travel. Westfields FC have offered to host visiting supporters offering bars, catering and some car parking. Judging by the Forum, Iron followers are resigned to being in the Play-offs which takes away their expectation.
Worth noting that our visitors scored 9 times against us last season but have yet to score in 24/25. Our goalless draw there was well earned with frantic backing from the away end. Creditable though that was, only a victory will do for us. Might our visitors, aware of the bruising play-off battles ahead not want to get into a full on battle at Edgar Street? That must be our best hope, but the trouble is a single goal win for the Bulls probably won’t be enough.
A reminder that to make the play-offs we need:
- Chester to win at Kings Lynn (highly unlikely with Chester secure in 4th and a play-off game on Tuesday)
- Chorley to not beat relegated Rushall (also unlikely)
- The biggie is Curzon not scoring more goals against Leamington than we do against Scunthorpe
(Leamington have taken one point in the last 18 and haven’t scored for 550 minutes)
But it remains all down to Hereford winning. Stay positive is the club mantra. Don’t give up now!
Get down to Edgar Street.
Scunthorpe – Hereford Supporters
Bringing you live what may be a tense game is Radio Hereford’s Keith, Gregg and George. Listen in if you can’t be there.
Radio Hereford FC – Hereford FC
Simon Wright
