Scunthorpe United secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Leamington FC at the Attis Arena on Saturday, continuing their push for promotion in what promises to be a dramatic end to the season in the second tier of non league football.
Callum Roberts’ converted penalty just after the hour mark proved the difference between the sides, as Andy Butler’s men strengthened their promotion credentials with a professional display.
The Iron were forced into two changes ahead of kickoff, with Alfie Beestin missing out through injury and Oli Rose sidelined with a heel problem. Mark Beck was drafted in to partner Chris Wreh up front, while Joe Starbuck made his first start at right-back.
Both sides took time to settle in a cagey opening period. Scunthorpe’s first meaningful opportunity came through Kian Scales, whose powerful effort from the left flank tested Leamington goalkeeper Callum Hawkins.
The visitors nearly capitalized on a rare defensive error when Tim Berridge intercepted Maxim Kouogun’s loose pass, but Iron goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons produced a fine save to preserve parity.
Scunthorpe thought they had broken the deadlock when Beck headed home after Tyler Denton’s acrobatic assist, only for the linesman’s flag to cut short celebrations. Captain Michael Clunan then saw his goal-bound effort dramatically cleared off the line by Josh Quaynar just before halftime.
The hosts increased their intensity after the break, with substitute Carlton Ubaezuonu making an immediate impact. The forward nearly scored following a Roberts shot that deflected into his path, but Hawkins reacted quickly to smother the danger.
The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Beck was fouled in the penalty area while challenging for a cross. Roberts stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick into the bottom corner for his 17th goal of the season.
Leamington pressed for an equalizer, with Henry Landers forcing Fitzsimons into an excellent save from a powerful strike with ten minutes remaining. Roberts nearly doubled Scunthorpe’s advantage late on, but Hawkins produced an outstanding diving save to tip his effort around the post.
Iron boss Andy Butler was satisfied with his side’s performance: “It was a hard-fought victory. I’m really pleased because it’s another three points to our total. We knew we had to be on our game.
“First half we battled and scrapped. Second half we showed a bit more energy and got our reward through a penalty.”
United now face a challenging period with three consecutive away fixtures against Alfreton Town, Farsley Celtic, and fellow promotion hopefuls before returning to the Attis Arena for a mouthwatering clash with Chester FC that could prove pivotal in the race for promotion.
