Scunthorpe United secured a vital three points at the Attis Arena, overcoming a spirited Tamworth side with a 3-1 victory. The scoreline, however, does not entirely reflect the ebb and flow of a contest that featured moments of both defensive vulnerability and attacking prowess.
Tamworth began the match with a clear intention to disrupt Scunthorpe’s rhythm. Their organised early approach aimed to frustrate the home side and exploit opportunities on the counter-attack. This tactical discipline yielded a reward in the 28th minute when, against the run of play, Tamworth took the lead. A moment of misfortune for the hosts saw Joseph Starbuck’s attempted clearance loop over his own goalkeeper, gifting Tamworth an unexpected advantage.
Scunthorpe United responded with commendable resilience. The setback appeared to galvanise the team, and they found an equaliser just three minutes later. A well-worked move culminated in Zain Westbrooke providing the assist for Tyrell Sellars-Fleming, who found the back of the net to restore parity. This timely equaliser injected much-needed momentum into Scunthorpe’s performance.
The remainder of the first half saw Scunthorpe pressing for a second goal and creating several opportunities, but Tamworth’s defence, marshalled effectively, held firm.
The second half commenced with a tactical adjustment from Tamworth, who introduced Matthias Curley in defence in the 53rd minute. Scunthorpe, meanwhile, continued to probe, making attacking substitutions to force a breakthrough. Declan Howe was brought on in the 63rd minute, and shortly after, Kian Scales made way for Oliver Ewing as Scunthorpe sought to gain control of the match.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute, courtesy of a player introduced earlier in the half. Carlton Ubaezuonu, who had entered the match as a substitute in the 70th minute, finished off another assist from Zain Westbrooke, putting Scunthorpe United ahead for the first time.
The momentum was now firmly with Scunthorpe, and they pressed their advantage. The decisive blow came in the 82nd minute when Carlton Ubaezuonu struck again, doubling his personal tally and extending Scunthorpe’s lead to 3-1. This second goal from the substitute effectively sealed the victory for the home side.
Tamworth attempted to rally in the closing stages, introducing Manny Duku and Stefan Mols, but the deficit proved too large. Scunthorpe United professionally saw out the remainder of the match, securing a crucial three points.
This victory sees Scunthorpe United solidify their position in the upper echelons of the English National League, maintaining their pursuit of promotion. They currently occupy sixth place with 40 points, demonstrating their credentials as a team capable of challenging at the top end of the division. Tamworth remain in mid-table, sitting in thirteenth place with 28 points, and will look to regroup from this setback.
