The Attis Arena is poised to witness a significant English National League clash as Scunthorpe United prepare to host York City. With both teams striving to achieve their season objectives, this encounter promises to be a keenly contested affair, carrying substantial weight for their respective campaigns.
Scunthorpe United have recently found themselves in a challenging period, failing to secure a victory in their last four outings. Their form over the last five matches has been a mixed bag, yielding one win, one draw, and three defeats, indicative of a recent dip. Despite this run, they have demonstrated a commendable resilience in front of goal, having managed to score in each of their last fourteen games. Their most recent results paint a picture of fluctuating fortunes: a narrow 1-0 home win against Southend United was followed by successive away and home defeats to Carlisle United (3-2) and Boston United (6-3) respectively. A 1-1 draw at Rochdale preceded a 3-1 away loss to Aldershot Town.
In stark contrast, York City are operating at the peak of their powers, boasting an impressive undefeated streak spanning an incredible 22 matches. Their last five fixtures have all culminated in victories, a testament to their current dominance. Their scoring prowess is equally remarkable, with a consistent record of finding the net in their last 25 consecutive games. Recent successes include a 2-0 away win against Solihull Moors, a 2-1 home triumph over Forest Green Rovers, a hard-fought 3-2 home victory against Hartlepool United, a commanding 3-0 away win against Wealdstone, and a resounding 4-1 home performance against FC Halifax Town.
Historically, these two sides have crossed paths on three occasions over the last three seasons. Scunthorpe United have held a slight edge in these encounters, securing one victory and two draws, with a combined total of four goals scored. York City, on the other hand, are yet to taste defeat against Scunthorpe in this period, registering two draws and one loss, and scoring two goals. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Scunthorpe United emerge victorious with a 3-1 away win, thanks to goals from Alfie Beestin, Oliver Ewing (from the penalty spot), and Tyrell Sellars-Fleming, with Ollie Pearce notching the solitary goal for York City.
In the current league standings, Scunthorpe United occupy fifth place with 60 points accrued from 32 games played. Their record comprises 17 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses, boasting a goal difference of +14, having scored 57 goals and conceded 43. York City are comfortably positioned in second place with 77 points from 33 games. Their outstanding record stands at 23 wins, 8 draws, and a mere 2 losses, accompanied by an impressive goal difference of +56, having scored a formidable 88 goals and conceded just 32.
A victory for Scunthorpe United could provide a much-needed injection of confidence and help solidify their position within the play-off places. Conversely, a defeat could see them slip further down the table, potentially losing ground on their immediate rivals. For York City, a win would further cement their promotion ambitions and maintain the pressure on the league leaders. A draw would represent a respectable outcome given their current formidable form, whilst a loss, though appearing improbable given their extensive unbeaten run, would undoubtedly represent a significant setback.
