With over 20,000 fans expected to be at Valley Parade on Boxing Day, our match at home to league leaders Scunthorpe United is our biggest yet this season.
The Iron currently sit top of the League One tree, are unbeaten at home for a whole year and have being in free scoring form this term, scoring 46 times in 22 league matches. With a goal difference of 26, a solid backline and an extremely dangerous strike force going forward, our clash with The Iron on Boxing Day is the most difficult test we’ve faced so far this campaign.
With only 3 wins during our last 10 league matches, and no win in our last 3 in League One, it’s clear to see that our form has dipped of late. Now 7 points behind Sheffield United and the second automatic promotion place, we need some big performances throughout the Christmas period starting on Monday afternoon if we’re to get back into the promotion fight.
Stuart McCall sounded upbeat about the fixture during his pre-match press conference this week. Despite the dip in form he stated that “the performances have been very good, we've been competitive in every game and there's a great belief in this group.” The gaffer further eluded to Scunthorpe and how much of a threat he feels they are. “Josh Morris has been in fine form, Madden scores goals; they will test defenders. We will make sure they're under pressure.”
McCall also confirmed that Bantams striker Billy Clarke wouldn’t be risked for the clash, explaining that the striker will be more desperately needed during the second half of the season and that his calf injury needed a longer rehabilitation period.
Scunthorpe come into this match full of confidence. Sitting top of the League One table, the Lincolnshire side have taken the league by storm during the first half of the season. With 7 wins in their last 10 league fixtures the Iron are on fire.
Under manager Graham Alexander, the Iron have enjoyed some fantastic wins this year and even after the occasional loss they have suffered in the league, Scunthorpe have always come back stronger in their next fixture. Scoring 46 times and conceding just 20, the second best defensive record in the league behind the Bantams themselves, it’s not difficult to see why Scunthorpe are sitting pretty at Christmas.
United have an impressive squad for this level with some real quality players now plying their trade at Glanford Park. Going forward the Iron are dangerous. Paddy Madden is clinical and has 7 goals in 14 appearances this term whilst Kevin van Veen has chipped in with 7 himself and 5 assists.
The star man is no stranger to City fans though. Josh Morris is in scintillating form this season. With 14 goals and 9 assists in 22 appearances, the former Bantams player has fit right in at Glanford Park after his summer switch from Valley Parade. It’s a wonder why the club let him go?!
In the week I spoke to Ross Gibson, a member of Scunthorpe’s social media team, to find out his thoughts on the Irons season so far and where he expects them to finish this season.
With Scunthorpe sitting top of the league at Christmas, just how surprised have you being with how well your side have done so far this season?
I’ll be honest, I’m not overly surprised that we are up there and competing, but to be top and have been top for such a sustained period already has maybe been a bit of a surprise. With the way we ended last season (Barnsley got into the Play Offs on GD, but we won six on the bounce after the loss to you) you knew that if we kept the squad together, we’d be a force to be reckoned with.
What have been the stand out performances and results?
We’ve embarrassed a few teams so far, including Gillingham and Southend at Glanford Park and Walsall at the Bescot. But for me the ultimate performance was the 2-0 victory at Peterborough last month. To go there and play them off the park when they were in such good form was impressive – and for me should have sent out a message, that we are no mugs.
A lot of football fans seem to be expecting Scunthorpe to drop off in the second part of the season, are you confident that you have the resources in terms of squad depth to overcome any injuries, suspensions or negative form over the rest of this season?
This is the thing, other teams think we have a small squad and that one or two injuries will ruin us – but it’s nonsense. We have three left backs (Conor Townsend, Harry Toffolo and Scott Laird) and we are actually in a position where we can loan Lairdy out – he’s an incredible player, but if needs be we can have him back. We’ve been without David Mirfin since Coventry away and have been playing young Charlie Goode at centre back – yet we’re still top! And we will strengthen in January – our chairman knows this could be the year. Every time we’ve lost this season, we’ve bounced back immediately – so I do think we have the mettle needed.
Obviously we have to mention Josh Morris, who in my opinion should have never left Bradford, just how big of an impact has he had?
He’s unbelievable, and it’s beyond me that we got him on a free. He’s going to go for big money in the future because he’s a top, top player. Folks might not have seen his name on the scoresheet for the last four or five games, but he’s getting assists every week. I think he’ll stay in Jan as everyone at the club, players, fans and staff are confident that we can get promoted.
Finally where do you honestly think Scunthorpe will be sitting come the end of the season?
Second – behind Sheffield United. The Blades are a quality team, and seem to have lady luck shining on them quite frequently, so I’ll settle for second because promotion is the aim.
Perhaps this seasons toughest game awaits this Monday then with the visit of Scunthorpe United however it’s a fixture that City fans should be looking forward to enormously. These matches are exactly why English football fans love the Christmas footballing period and with over 20,000 fans expected, the atmosphere should be phenomenal at Valley Parade for the 15:00 kick off.
