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Match Previews

Preview: Scunthorpe United (H)

9 August 2019

Match Previews

Preview: Scunthorpe United (H)

9 August 2019

Cheltenham Town play their first home game of the season on Saturday when they host Scunthorpe United on week two of the League Two campaign at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Both sides will be looking to get their first points on the board after defeats on opening weekend, with the Robins falling to a narrow 1-0 loss at Leyton Orient.

Michael Duff's side were also reduced to nine men in East London - which put paid to a potential late comeback - but they return to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium having finished 2018/19 with just one defeat in 16 on home soil. 

On the Robins' first home game of the campaign, Duff said: "[Our home form] was key to our survival last year.

"The home form, the pitch and supporters helped because they saw the work that was going on.

"The players delivered good performances and there were a lot of entertaining performances with lots of goals. We'll try and bring that again next year." 

Team News 

The Robins will be without Luke Varney for the home curtain-raiser as he serves a one-match suspension after being shown two yellow cards against the O's, while Rohan Ince is also set to miss out after being sent off in the same fixture.  

Duff confirmed in his pre-match press conference that both Josh Debayo and Chris Hussey came through the opening match unscathed after both playing a part at left-wing back and could therefore be in contention to play again on Saturday. 

Reuben Reid is also sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury. 

New signings Max Sheaf, Gavin Reilly and Jake Doyle-Hayes could also make their home debuts for the Robins, along with yesterday's new addition Jacob Greaves, who could make his full debut against the Iron. 

Opposition 

Paul Hurst's Scunthorpe were beaten 2-0 at home by Swindon Town as they marked their return to the fourth tier with defeat after suffering relegation from League One last term.

The Iron have a host of experienced players in their ranks at this level and higher, but did lose some key members of the squad over the summer including goalscoring midfielder Josh Morris.

Former Cheltenham loanee Kyle Wootton is part of their front-line, joining Lee Novak and Kevin van Veen as potential strikers to play a part at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium - although the latter could be a doubt due to a knee problem. 

Scunthorpe could also be without up to eight players due to injury, with the latest concerns over Jordan Hallam and John McAtee. 

Captain Andy Butler was a key arrival in the summer from Walsall, along with versatile midfielder Yann Songo'o - who was promoted from League Two with Plymouth Argyle a few years back - both could feature again after appearing on opening day. 

Previous Meetings 

The Robins haven't faced Scunthorpe in a competitive fixture for over five years and it's Saturday's visitors who come out on top in terms of head to head meetings since their first in 2000. 

The Iron have won nine out of the two clubs' 16 fixtures against each other, with Cheltenham winning three and there have been four draws between them. 

Scunthorpe are also unbeaten in ten matches against Cheltenham, a run that stretches back to a Division Three meeting in 2004. 

The Robins won 2-1 at Whaddon Road that day, with current manager Michael Duff lining up for the hosts. 

Tickets and Singing Section 

Match tickets for home supporters are available from the Ticket Office and turnstiles on the day and the new 2019/20 matchday prices are now in effect.

  Adult  Senior/Student  U18
Colin Farmer Stand/Hazelwoods Stand (away)  £22 £16 £8
Autovillage Main Stand £21 £15 £8 
Speedy Skips End/Paddock/Tunnel (all standing areas)  £17 £13 £6

Singing section season ticket holders will be based in Block 7 of the Colin Farmer Stand for this fixture and supporters who wish to join the 1887 Red Army fan group on matchday can buy in any area of the stand and freely move to that area. 

Please note that Junior Robins prices for 2019/20 are also in effect from this game onwards, last season's cards are no longer valid and people can join, renew or collect their new membership cards from the Ticket Office or Club Shop. 

Coverage 

For match updates, team news and pictures of the action follow @CTFCOfficial on Twitter.  You can also check out the club's Facebook page for updates.

Post-match you can visit the club website to read a report on the game and to get Michael Duff's reaction. 

Full match commentary is available on iFollow. Coverage is also on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

 

 


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