At the start of the National League North 2023/24 season, many expected Scunthorpe United to be challenging at the right end of the table, with a possible promotion push on the cards. It’s since proved to be the case. However, to secure promotion, they’re going to have to do it the so-called hard way.
The rules are simple in the National League North; the team that finishes top of the table will win the division and be automatically promoted to the National League. The two outfits that finish second and third will be entered into the playoff semi-finals, and teams finishing fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh will battle it out in the playoff quarter-finals. Scunthorpe United are, at the time of writing, looking good for second and a playoff semi-final spot.
You could liken The Iron to the England national team in some respects. Those looking at Euro 2024 match betting will see the Three Lions installed as favourites for success, just as they saw Scunthorpe at the start of the current season. But, also like England, Scunny appear to have a preference for doing things the hard way, with the playoffs set to prove their biggest test in a long while. Win the playoffs, and The Iron start moving in the right direction again. Suffer defeat, and it’s another season in the sixth tier of English football.
Scunthorpe United may be doing things the hard way via the playoffs, but there have been a lot of positive signs this term that suggests they have a very realistic chance of success in what many describe as a lottery. As far as their attack and ability to score goals goes, no team in the National League North has hit the back of the net more this season. They have a solid defence, too. It’s the third-best in the division. If you’re a team that can score goals as well as keep them out, you’re in a good position.
The Iron can also call on plenty of experience when it matters, and this can prove pivotal in games that have a lot riding on them. Central midfielder Jacob Butterfield is a prime example of the know-how in the Scunny ranks. He’s been there and done it at much higher levels, turning out for the likes of Huddersfield Town, Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday. Butterfield and the other experienced heads will help guide the younger members of the squad, like Kian Scales, formerly of Bradford City.
The overall conclusion is that Scunthorpe United have got what it takes to get over the line as playoff semi-finalists and then in the subsequent final that follows. They’re proven as much in the regular season, and they have all the ingredients required in their squad of players. Combine that with a little bit of luck, and Scunny could and should be back playing in the National League next season, which would be a huge step forward after recent times.