Notts County look to bolster title chances with victory over Scunthorpe United

Notts County host relegation strugglers Scunthorpe United on Saturday the 25th March as they still harbour hopes of title success.

Currently just three points off high flying Wrexham in first place, victory here and a slip up by the Welsh side could give that boost to manager Luke Williams that is so desperately needed. It might just also swing the title charge in his side’s favour.

Notts County are currently unbeaten in four games and will be looking to take advantage of their excellent home form at Meadow Lane.

A disappointing 1-1 draw to Barnet last weekend away from home slightly dampened the mood for the Magpies faithful but expect them to be back in full voice this time around. 

However Scunthorpe are coming off an impressive result of their own with a 4-1 thrashing of Wealdstone last Saturday.The Irons have not tasted victory away from home since the 25th of January though so any result here would come as a shock to National League fans.

In the reverse fixture played at Glanford Park, Notts County ran out 4-1 winners with four different goal scorers getting on the scoresheet including the ever impressive Macauley Longstaff. 

Longstaff currently sits top of the scoring charts with a magnificent tally of 37 goals in league action alone. He is even ahead of the goalscorning sensation Paul Mullin, who plays for Wrexham and has hit an inferior 31 goals so far this season.

It would be unfair to Notts County to say Longstaff has got them to where they are this season but his goals have no doubt been a shining light for the Magpies in this spectacular year. 

Longstaff will be expected to add to that tally against Scunthrope’s leaky defence and inspire the Magpies to another victory on home territory. 

Notts County are one of the highest scorers in league play this season and expect them to add to this tally against a Scunthrope defence who have conceded a woeful 71 goals so far this term. 

Add to the fact that Notts County have scored 97 goals in league play so far this season, the stats portray a game in which Notts County take the initiative and make their star quality count. 

Scunthorpe have quality of their own however with Joe Nuttal, who has dragged his side out of tough situations on multiple occasions this season. It will be a difficult task for him on Saturday afternoon but never write anyone off in the National League.

Manager of the Iron’s, Jimmy Dean, will be aiming to come away from the game with a strong performance but at this stage of the season with only eight games to play and sat in 22nd place, points must be the priority. 

On home soil and with the fans spurring them on, Notts County will aim to put the ball down on the floor, control possession and create as many clear cut opportunities as possible.

Meanwhile, it is probable that Scunthorpe will be happy to sit back, let their hosts have possession and counter attack on the break whenever possible. 

With only one automatic spot to League One up for grabs, all league games for Notts County are like playing in a final. They will be eager to take all three points in this one. 

With both sides desperate for points for differing reasons expect the passion on the pitch and on the sidelines to make for a special atmosphere on Saturday afternoon. 

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt