IRON BOSS GRAHAM ALEXANDER
Since ending last season's finale fixture with a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane, narrowly missing out on a last ditch play-off spot, the Iron have surprised the neutrals and continued their good end to the season with an impressive start to the new one.
With former Blades target Kevin van Veen notching 6 goals to his tally so far this season, the Dutch striker has starred as the Iron record just one defeat from their opening eight matches, including a 5-0 & 4-0 victory over Gillingham and Southend respectively. A 1-0 win at Shrewsbury last Saturday, married with Bolton's defeat at Walsall saw the Iron leap-frog the Macron Stadium club to take pole position early on. They followed up that victory with a goalless draw at home to Charlton in midweek.
Scunthorpe moved two points clear at the top of Sky Bet League One following a goalless draw with Charlton at Glanford Park. Following a quiet opening, Iron's leading scorer Josh Morris was not too far away with an effort that fizzed just wide, and minutes later he brought a low save out of Declan Rudd. The Addicks finally created an opening just shy of the half-hour mark when Chris Solly's cross was met by a diving Fredrik Ulvestad, but the Norwegian's header spun narrowly wide.
After the break, Ademola Lookman should have done better when he ran at the retreating Scunthorpe backline only to shoot tamely off target when getting a sight of goal. Kevin van Veen, a virtual spectator for 80 minutes, crashed a shot just wide for the hosts as he managed to get a toe to a loose ball in the box. Charlton brought on substitute Jordan Botaka for the last seven minutes and he should have scored, but he thumped Lookman's cross well over.
Addicks defender Jason Pearce made a terrific block to deny Iron sub Hakeeb Adelakun, before Morris hit a shot straight at Rudd. And right at the death, Johnnie Jackson struck a terrific free-kick, only to see the ball crash off Luke Daniels' left-hand post and go behind.
Iron boss Graham Alexander welcomed back defender David Mirfin during the 0-0 draw with the Londoners. He had netted the winner at Shrewsbury but sustained a black eye later in the game and was deemed doubtful. Meanwhile Scott Wiseman will be looking for a recall and deadline-day signing Jonathan Margetts (from Lincoln City) has yet to make his debut.
facebook.com/bladesmad - @Blades_Mad1889