Newport host Scunthorpe in bid to solidify playoff hopes

Newport County’s playoff place is hanging by a thread. The chasing pack, led by in-form Salford City, are hungry in pursuit.

The South Wales side sit seventh in League Two with three games to go, and host Scunthorpe United in what could be a pivotal propenultimate encounter in the fourth tier.

Scunthorpe – who by their formerly lofty standards have faltered this campaign, sit 21st and safe from relegation barring a miracle from Southend United. A win tomorrow would mathematically secure safety for The Iron.

Neil Cox’s men haven’t won in seven, losing five and drawing two, scoring only three in the period. County haven’t exactly been scintillating after their early season form, however, winning only one of their last five.

Despite their poor run after Christmas they still hang on to seventh by a point, with Scunthorpe, Cheltenham and Southend to play.

The primed chasers are Salford City. After sacking both Graham Alexander and Richie Wellens this season, they seem to have struck gold in Gary Bowyer.

A late playoff hijack is well on the cards after winning four of their last six, but they travel to another playoff candidate, Bradford, tomorrow.

Team News

Newport will be delighted as Matt Dolan is likely to make a return. The former Middlesbrough man had missed the last three but returned to the bench against Exeter City last time out.

Scunthorpe are missing Jordan Clarke, Olufela Olomola, Aaron Jarvis, Adam Kelsey and George Hornshaw, who are all set to miss the small remainder of the season.

Last Time Out

The opening day of a turbulent, game-filled season in the fourth tier saw these two sides face eachother, and they couldn’t be separated. Goals from Ryan Taylor for Newport and his namesake Loft for Scunthorpe earned each side a point.

Follow my personal Twitter @ChrisStonadge

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt