Promotion Final Preview: Scunthorpe United v Chester FC

Chester and Scunthorpe battle it out on Sunday in the Promotion Final with a place in the National League at stake.

The Seals are only one win away from retuning to the fifth tier for the first time since 2018. However, they need to conquer Scunthorpe away from home in front of bumper crowd of approximately 9,000 fans at Glanford Park to earn promotion.

Calum McIntyre and his players have had a fortnight to prepare for tomorrow’s momentous occasion following their play-off victories over Buxton and Kidderminster Harriers.

Harrison Burke’s extra-time winner defeated the Bucks in the eliminator before Declan Weeks’ well-taken volley sealed a comeback win away to Kidderminster. Both performances indicated the team’s strong character and unwavering attitude.

The Blues enter the final with momentum, having now recorded six successive victories.

THE OPPOSITION

Scunthorpe finished the league campaign in second position, two points off National League North champions Brackley Town.

The former EFL outfit are attempting to join the league winners in the fifth tier by earning promotion through the play-offs.

In the semi-final, Andy Butler’s side displayed their quality with a ruthless 4-2 victory over Chorley at Glanford Park.

They’ll be confident heading into the final, as they possess the best home record in the division. Buxton are the only away team to have overcome Scunthorpe this season.

The Iron also finished as runners up in the league last campaign before being knocked out in the play-offs by Boston United on penalties.

After falling short just over a year ago, Andy Butler and his players will be determined to atone for their previous shortcomings this weekend.

THE GAFFER 

In his first season in charge, former Scunthorpe player Andy Butler has guided the club to within touching distance of promotion.

Butler’s affiliation with the Iron began in 2002, when he burst through the Lincolnshire club’s youth system. The defender went on to make over a century of appearances across three separate spells for the club, before returning as a coach in 2022.

Following Jimmy Dean’s dismissal last summer, Scunthorpe looked internally and decided Butler was the perfect replacement.

The 41-year-old was named the National League North Manager of the Month for August after an unbeaten start to the campaign.

Prior to coaching in Lincolnshire, Butler worked in women’s football with Doncaster Rovers Belles, a spell which was interrupted by a brief period as caretaker manager of Doncaster Rovers in 2021.

ONE TO WATCH

The Iron boast a wealth of offensive talent, including the league’s third top goal scorer Callum Roberts.

However, in an interview with BBC Humberside Sport, his manager announced he doesn’t expect the forward to be involved in Sunday’s final. Roberts was forced off in the play-off semi-final win over Chorley a fortnight ago due to injury.

The responsibility in front of goal will be shared by the likes of Danny Whitehall and Carlton Ubaezuonu. Whitehall netted a brace in the semi-final victory to take his overall tally to 16 while Ubaezuonu has struck in three successive matches.

Scunthorpe’s defensive solidity has also propelled them up the table, as they only conceded 30 times in the regular season.

Goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons kept the most clean sheets in the National League North with 27 in 46 matches. The 30-year-old stopper was recently recognised for his performances as he claimed the Goalkeeper of the Year award at the National Game Awards.

FORM GUIDE

Scunthorpe United | W26 D12 L8 | F76 A30 | Final Pos: 2nd

Last Three

Peterborough Sports (H) | W 5-0 | Scorers: Tyler Denton, Maxim Kouogun, Callum Roberts, Max Brogan and Carlton Ubaezuonu

Hereford (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Carlton Ubaezuonu

Chorley (H) | W 4-2 | Scorers: Danny Whitehall x2, Callum Roberts and Carlton Ubaezuonu

Chester FC | W25 D12 L9 | F73 A45 | Final Pos: 4th

Last Three

King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Kurt Willoughby, Jack Bainbridge, Dylan Mottley-Henry

Buxton (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Iwan Murray & Harrison Burke

Kidderminster Harriers (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Dylan Mottley-Henry & Declan Weeks

Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 4pm at the Attis Arena on Sunday.

The postcode for the ground is DN15 8TD.