Scunthorpe United v Notts Co

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Football League Two

Scunthorpe United :
Musselwhite, Stanton, Crosby, Butler, Ridley, Sparrow, Kell (Taylor 72), Beagrie, Torpey (sent off 86), Hayes (Rankine 83), Baraclough
Subs not used:
Evans, Jackson, Byrne

Notts Co :
Deeney, Wilson, Baudet, Whitlow, Ullathorne, Pipe, Gill, Bolland, Palmer, Gavin Gordon, Harrad
Subs not used:
Henderson, Oakes, Scully, Williams, McFaul

SULSESC REPORT

by Chris Pettitt at Glanford Park

A classic it was not, but with a bit of luck in the second-half we could have taken all three points – for the second successive match, both against teams struggling at the wrong end of the table who seemed more intent on kicking anything that moved than playing football.

The first-half was dreadful, a continuation of the Chester game where we could hardly string a pass together. County chased everything down, not giving us a chance to put a foot on the ball and play.

Despite having the majority of the ball, the final touch was sadly lacking with hardly a chance worth mentioning for either side in the first-half.

The second-half was more like it, as Scunny started to play the football we all know they can. Hayes was working hard, but to no avail, his scoring boots deserting him for the time being. It will come right for him soon,

Torps won everything in the air, and Sparrow was the best player on the park, causing the most problems when cutting in from the right on several occasions.

The best chance of the game fell to Notts County, however, after a defensive mix-up, but with the goal at his mercy, Gavin Gordon blasted high over the bar.

It was never going to be the Iron’s day after a Torpey shot was deflected goalwards, only for County ‘keeper Deeney to pull off a fantastic one handed save that brought an appreciative round of applause from the Iron faithful behind the goal. It was immediately followed by a Butler header cleared off the line by Ullathorne.

With five minutes remaining, Rankine, who replaced Hayes, made a rash challenge on Baudet. Torps, pulled to the floor by Baudet, was sent off despite Rankine owning up to the challenge and the fourth official apparently informing the ref that he had the wrong man.

It made no difference, and it seemed the ref then booked Rankine for the same offence he had sent Torps off for! Hopefully the video evidence will clear Torps of any wrong doing.

The final few minutes were played out with Notts County unable to make the extra man count.

Still top, 11 points clear of fourth, not playing too bad, unbeaten in 13, in what is traditionally our poorest part of the season.