Y GRIFFINY

Thursday 12th January 2009 entry

No action to report in the bleak mid-winter of our content Y Griffiny is praying that a lone stud will penetrate the Glanford Park playing surface come Saturday and for the snow to disperse from the scene of the JPT Northern Area Final on Tuesday night.

Up the Iron.

Saturday 31st January 2009 entry

As the Iron powered past Millwall at the New Den 2-1 alarm bells are no doubt still ringing in the League One promotion race, Nigel Adkins has once again planned and executed a monster smash and grab raid in the January transfer window. On Monday the 18 year old, highly-rated Arsenal youngster Henri Lansbury will be joining the Iron on a month's loan with a view to extension until the end of the season. Henri Lansbury is an extraordinary talent to land for the Iron and despite the poor camera-work you can see why Arsenal and England rate him so highly by clicking here.

Please Sir, can I have s'more?

Tuesday 24th January 2009 entry as heard on Radio Humberside

Well folks this was the performance we were looking for, strong, lively and professional, we put to bed the Windass and Hughes affairs with a hot water bottle of aplomb.

With a few lively and deft fingers in the transfer window till we could achieve the impossible here and take down the play-off flag of intent.

We are out for justice and our Iron flag brothers are taking no prisoners.

Championship ahoy gentlemen!
 

 

Saturday 21st January 2009 entry as heard on Radio Humberside

Oh joy of joys, Scunthorpe United manage to hold on for a much needed boost to morale, things are far from perfect in the Iron camp but with confidence taking hits from all sides we needed to hit back with some aplomb. With attendees from all corners of the Iron world at the Worldwide Iron meeting tonight the win was much needed warmth, comfort and joy. Drinketh from the cup of victory Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight is our time.

 

Tuesday 13th January 2009 entry as heard on Radio Humberside

A show of strength by the Iron brigade tonight, our beloved chariot of Iron were putting their boots where their quotes are and kicking on after showing a double handful over the poor Yeovil Town side.

Still some points of concern for Nigel Adkins with the obligatory tight finish and sitting back on a lead but you can rarely criticise three points away from home, still I can beg the Iron's War Minister and Chancellor of Exchequer to address the issues of the increasingly threadbare squad, please inject another shot of enthusiasm into the stands with an exciting signing or two, something that may make an exciting, talented young squad become a solid group of grass stained, hardened, bloody war veterans.

Long live the class of 2009 - A short head in a photo finish away from the bloody heroes of 2007.

Kick on indeed.

 

Monday 29th December 2008 entry as heard on Radio Humberside.

It doesn't take a parliament of owls to see that Adkins needs to make serious changes in the transfer window if we are to have any hopes and aspirations of conquering this division. This Huddersfield result could be the result that transforms the outlook for the Iron. Long balls to May clearly has no other effect other than to give the ball away 90% of the time, please lets get back to the ambition of good football and winning the league in style.

Let us stand up and be counted to a man, no more must we utter false rhetoric and spin lines of falsehood in order to save face, if you are with us both in body and in spirit then you need to be performing like a champion. We must not allow ourselves to be waylaid or veer from the Championship line. Second is nothing, defeat is for the other men, the losers, those who wish that winning habits would bite their posterior and adorn it with success and victories. We need no paper tigers or false prophets in our team, we are the mighty Scunthorpe United, champions of league one and trailblazers of the footballing way. Now kick on, oh beloved chariot of Iron!

Happy New Year to all Y Griffiny fans!

Martyn Turner

Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron Editor

 

Sunday 7th December 2008 entry

 

 

Fear not thine enemy, for they are of a human state, and as such have human failures and weakness, they may wish failure and misery on you and you in turn must inflict a comprehensive and doubt inducing defeat on them.

 

No pound of flesh is worth more than another, no man worth more than another, ‘tis man against man, weapon against weapon, draw thy sword and take their flesh back home, take the title of victor home, for in football a noble victory comes with closed mouths and swelled breast not with foolish rhetoric, fat wallet and growing creditors.

 

Come on Iron, we must show our true colours and not only take on the supposedly insurmountable challenge of a second title but leave no stone of energy and spirit unturned, fight, fight, as if the next game were the very last game of your life, you cannot be seen as the second best, we must be the very best we can, lest the chance never come again.

 

A truly great result yesterday to mightily swell the chests of all Iron Flag Brothers against the most hated team in the league, MK Dons, a truly superb performance to win 2-0 when all looked to be against us, what with Garry Thompson scoring his second goal to nail his flag to the mast of expectancy, he must believe he can conquer the division, so should we. Morris continued his fight back to form with another cracker, and all looks a great deal brighter within the good ship Iron and its quest for another treasured season of success.

 

Fear not the big guns, their time will come and this time our swords will be sharper and their masters greater in technique.

 

Come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant for a star is shining over GP and it's name be hope. Can Thompson save Christmas? Can Woolford shoot  a way through the razor grass at the top of League One? Will Morris dance an Irish jig of "I told you so" proportions at Flag Day '09? Answers to all these questions and more down at Glanford Park every other Saturday or so until May. See you all there!

 

 

God Bless

 

The Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron Editor

 

 

Tuesday 25th November 2008 entry as heard exclusively on Radio Humberside

Disappointment abound tonight, the once bright and flashing swords of Iron are looking blunted, their soldiers are looking weary, lacking in belief and ideas. We look tonight to our leaders for inspiration, new recruits and better tactical thinking.

The dream of a Championship title isn't over but it's getting there, we as fans are not willing to accept the capitulation of a great position lightly, please, please lets get it together, lets not make excuses but strive to do the best we can, let's transcend the ego people, do what's right for the people and the club.

Make the changes necessary Iron. Whatever the cost maybe.

Keep the home fires burning, lest we forget the class of 2007!

God bless the Iron faithful!

 

Friday 14th November 2008 entry as heard exclusively on Radio Humberside

Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron are delighted in the way the Iron sealed Bristol Rovers fate tonight, brave fightback by the pirates but Izzy put the pirates to the sword and the treasure passes to the gilt edged attack of Scunthorpe United, once again the brave, noble men of Iron have triumphed over the odds and secured another chest of pride and hope. Let the home fires of hope and expectancy burn brightly tonight in the homes of all Scunthorpe United fans worldwide, drink tonight for all is well in League one, god bless us all, everyone.

 

God bless our gracious Dean!

Stay steadfast my brothers of Iron flag! 

Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron Editor.

 

Wednesday 28th October 2008 entry as heard on Radio Humberside

 

"As we stare at the embers of a rare defeat flickering into the night it is important we as fans recognise the inevitability of a talented team having a nightmare once in thirteen matches, i put my trust in these bold soldiers to put their work in on the training stage in order that this may never happen again.
 
Two years ago we all felt a thrill, pride and joy about Scunthorpe United FC and the town that previously i never knew existed, this class of 2008 have all the makings of another classic fist and chains Iron team, the talent is in place and although the work has only just begun, surely this collection of quality players cannot escape their destiny, Scunthorpe expects! Go, tell the others, we must prepare for that poisoned chalice of expectancy. Let us drink deeply my Iron flag brothers, a Championship Flag Day cannot be dismissed as a pipe dream. Let our rivals suck the smoke whilst we burn the fires of hope and expectation.
 
Arise dear Champions, arise with honour from a defeat with no disgrace, let the fans drive you on with their constant support and lack of fear, whatever will be, will be gentlemen, keep the faith."

Now pack our ground with as many as you people can muster for the strength of the fightback will surely shape and define a championship season, a show of support, strength and belief is needed for the upcoming game against Swindon, don't let apathy and negativity take hold in this our hour of need.

 

Stay strong my Iron Flag brothers.

 
Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron Editor

 

Monday 27th October 2008 Entry

 

Arise ye fair maiden of Y Griffiny, for we are here once again to provide thee with literary delights and visual art of great influential and social consequence. Another year of diverse thought pattern and Scunthorpe United based merriment is bequeathed to us by the top brass and foot soldiers of Y Griffiny. We must start by thanking the loyal subjects and contributors over the past two years, we were literally flooded with a couple of requests to keep the good ship Y Griffiny sailing for another year. Undercome with the emotion showed to us by the general public we decided to sail onward towards possibly the greatest ever achievement by Scunthorpe United FC in its long but fairly barren history.

It is Y Griffiny's firm belief that this great team of tremendous skill, guile, strength and talent is capable of not only beating every team in this 'ere league but doing it in the style that probably defines the word Y Griffiny, if indeed there were a definition to this nonsensical cult, playing the game, whatever the game, in the manner that it is meant to be played, with belief, confidence, skill and more importantly aiming to entertain the thousands of fans that pay hard earned cash to watch the team of their destiny and choice play as if it were their right, nay, destiny to be crowned Champions, with style. 

Two years ago we all felt a thrill, pride and joy about Scunthorpe United FC and the town that previously i never knew existed, this class of 2008 have all the makings of another classic fist and chains Iron team, the talent is in place and although the work has only just begun, surely this collection of quality players cannot escape their destiny, Y Griffiny expects, Scunthorpe expects! Go, tell the others, we must prepare for that poison chalice of expectancy. Let us drink deeply my Iron flag brothers, now another Championship Flag Day cannot be dismissed as a pipe dream. Let our rivals suck the smoke whilst we burn the fires of hope and expectation.

 

God bless us all, everyone.

Y Griffiny praises most high this week are difficult to pinpoint but we'll go with the gifted one: Paul Hayes and the dainty bull dancing around the ego China shop known as League One, Sam Togwell. Well done all.

 

Tuesday 23rd September 2008 Entry

Hello and welcome to the latest and possibly last edition of Y Griffiny, feel free to browse the updates including more photos in the galleries and a "Best of Flag Day" section.

This weekend's action packed battle with Hereford meant despite riding their luck on occasion the Iron crept into the second placed loft of League one and are certainly looking great value for their top two spot, next week sees the visit of Yeovil and Y Griffiny would like to take this opportunity urge the Iron faithful to pack the stands and create a championship bandwagon of gargantuan proportions, we can make history again and more importantly bury a historical voodoo of expected failure.

Up the Iron indeed.

In another startling, exciting instalment in this Y Griffiny bandwagon the Scunthorpe Telegraph ran an excellent article on the unfeasibly successful "Waving Flags" video of Flag Day 2008. Here it is Ladies and Gentlemen, the day the mainstream media went Y Griffiny.

 

Hurrah for David Elliott of the ST, for championing the Y Griffiny cause and showing the way forward for journalists everywhere. See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz1R_vVHINI or click on the nav bar to the left.

As far as Y Griffiny has come, this month could see the end of the bandwagon portal known as  http://www.ygriffiny.com/ with it's second birthday coming up and over 16000 visits to the homepage alone, the decision is again upon us to renew or not to renew, give us your support until the very end Y Griffiny brothers and sisters and it might go some way to convincing the powers that be to finance another year or so. Until the decision is made we at Y Griffiny would appreciate your continued support, admissions and donations.

Onward my Iron Flag brothers and sisters. Vivé la revolution!!!

Wednesday September 17th 2008 entry

The weekend's encounter with Carlisle was an interesting, if somewhat sedate affair littered with good football. After the rocket-fuelled goal-fests that were Brighton and Stockport away it was easy to be disappointed early on, with the visitors from Brunton Park having far too much of the ball for the liking of many Scunthorpe fans. One man, however, has a more charismatic, enigmatic tack on the game of football than most, this man is Martyn Woolford.

As soon as Matt Sparrow and Woolford were cunningly introduced by Nigel Adkins on 58 minutes the unsuspecting Cumbrians tide of attack turned against them and this whipped up a veritable zephyr of claret and blue, and the former York star player now nicknamed "The Claret and Blue Gazelle"© by Y Griffiny began skating gracefully down the left wing at pace with the ball glued to his feet before thundering a glorious cross that was deftly flicked on by Hayes to the unforgiving head of Matt Sparrow.

The lead was made unassailable in the 73rd minute by a piece of sublime attacking play by Woolford again, he easily and skilfully dispossessed the Carlisle midfield in his own half before attacking the Carlisle defence at pace and then suddenly unleashed a ferocious long range shot that was superbly parried by the goalkeeper Williams, only to be poked in by the oncoming poaching of Hayes. A quite brilliant goal of crowd pleasing proportions and despite the consolation goal scored by Danny Carlton for Carlisle on 77 minutes, 'twas another day of celebration for the wonderful men and women of Iron.

Martyn Woolford - Football genuis!

Go back to your friends, family, associates and neighbours and tell them to prepare for a Championship and JPT Cup winning Flag Day.

Y Griffiny.

Saturday September 6th 2008 entry

This report also featured on Radio Humberside: 

The Iron's season finally exploded into a 4-1 carpet bombing of Brighton and Hove Albion. Airman Hooper proudly takes home the match ball with three superbly taken goals after the extremely talented prospect Martyn Woolford showed his flashing, blonde, gazelle-like instincts to make it 1-0 on 4 minutes. This relatively young Scunthorpe United team have shown such talent and abilty that already whisperings are afoot of another Championship Flag Day '09. Long live those rumours! Let us now fight tooth and nail to maintain this form and sharpness in front of goal. Attack! attack! attack! For now though Ladies and Gentlemen, let us drink deeply from the cup of expectation and celebrate a week of genuine improvement and classy performances.

All hail the class of '08 they have as good a chance as the last lot.

Y Griffiny

 

Sunday August 10th 2008 entry 

Kenny Milne : "Aye, there's more tae come!"

Goodness gracious me, what a start. The loss to Leeds United cut deeply into the fans faces, the scar tissue left after years of disappointment was savagely sliced open once again and boy did Leeds' fans enjoy rubbing salt and lemons into our fresh wounds.

It was more disappointing to lose in manner that we did after controlling the first 45 minutes like old school masters, time and time again however, the Iron failed to capitalize on some exellent build up swordplay, and boy did we pay the penalty as Scunthorpe United huffed and puffed and tired badly in the second period of play ending the game with a desperately disappointing 2-1 reverse. See the highlights, if you must, in the new video here.

 

 Saturday August 2nd 2008 entry.

Ahoy there friends, fellow Iron fans and visitors to the greatest single invention in Scunthorpe web based history, yes chaps, we're flying Air Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron again unfortunately we can't promise you passengers a comfortable flight, 'tis the nature of the game i'm afraid. Well, despite Scunthorpe United crash landing into a sea of discontent and bitterness at the end of last season we at Y Griffiny remain open minded and hopeful as the rebuilding of the good ship Iron takes place.

Wing commander Garry Thompson joins us from Morecambe with big expectations and much talk but the air pressure will certainly be a factor that his unique style and confidence will have to deal with, especially at this altitude.

Marshalling the big guns at the back is one of the expectations laid at the feet of new recruit from Falkirk, Kenny "Where's me shinnies" Milne who instantly became a crowd favourite and created a cult classic with the immortal line "Scunthorpe should be in the Premier League never mind the Championship" - With quality Y Griffiny lines like this Kenny should have no problems fitting in.

Elsewhere ex-Man Utd reservist Michael Lea takes one crossover step closer to the left back position after impressing Adkins and should provide enough turbulence for Williams to raise his tail feathers and kick on.

All eyes will undoubtedly be on young gun Gary Hooper after his long awaited delayed landing from Southend but with May and Hayes providing a sickly filling to stomach for Colchester will Adkins throw young Hooper to the enemy raw? 

We at Y Griffiny cannot wait to find out, for all our complaints, moaning and dejection we love the start of a new season, and what a game to kick off with, the not so mighty Leeds at home!! So get your tickets now for Saturday 09 August 2008 and lets fill Glanford Park with our brothers in arms, don your Iron fist T-Shirts/merchandise and lets show these 'ere League one paupers what time it is.

Tally ho. Up the Iron.

Y Griffiny. 

Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron presents: Flag day - Sunday 4th May 2008

Ho-hum, the white flag was raised a long time ago by Wharton and his cronies, Adkins became Madkins and we all went to Championship heaven in a little creaky leaky rowing boat clap clap!

Put your underpants on your heads chaps this league one season could put the skids on our Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron campaign to bring supporters old and new together.

Just a reminder that the hugely successful "Flag day" at the last game and afterwards in the Honest Lawyer still goes ahead and the Y Griffiny Worldwide Iron flag will get pride of place in this most wonderful of taverns.

Last year was a triumphant success, talked about for months afterwards, guests included BBC Radio Humberside, Study United, Officials and staff of SUFC, Serbian Iron, Japan Iron, Australian Iron and Cliff Byrne but what made it special mainly was the camaraderie and spirit of decent loyal fans having a slurred chat and a sing-song, united in their joy.

It may be a sombre affair at the match this year with the short excursion into the Championship having been a poor effort for SUFC but the fans deserve a day just for them.

Enter flag day.......see last year's efforts click here.

Wednesday 19th March entry 2008

 

Well Y Griffiny will ignore the recent results to concentrate on a time before this, a time full of sadness and as usual, ahead of it's time. Y Griffiny knew, and it was painful to accept.

 

For ​​ the​​ fir​​st tim​​e in my SUF​​C lif​​e i was​​ ash​​ame​​d, dej​​ect​​ed and​​ una​​ble​​ to put​​ a sma​​rt spi​​n on a bad​​ sit​​uat​​ion​​. The​​ pho​​ne ran​​g, The​​ Obs​​erv​​er,​​ i swi​​tch​​ed it off​​, i wan​​ted​​ to go hom​​e, not​​ eve​​n the​​ loc​​al inn​​ cou​​ld con​​sol​​e me now​​.



Ano ​the​r rub​bis​h hom​e gam​e, ano​the​r was​ted​ thr​ee poi​nts​, ano​the​r hal​f of a gam​e was​ted​ pla​yin​g hoo​fba​ll try​ing​ to han​g on to a one​ goa​l lea​d. It cou​ld be one​ of man​y hom​e gam​es but​ i rem​emb​er thi​s one​ as the​ day​ Y Gri​ffi​ny gav​e up on the​ Cha​mpi​ons​hip​.



Rub​bis​h Adk​ins​, rub​bis​h Wha​rto​n, rub​bis​h the​ lot​ of you​. Bla​me som​eon​e els​e if you​ lik​e but​ you​ nev​er eve​n had​ the​ gut​s to giv​e it a go,​ tha​t is a ter​rib​le leg​acy​ to pas​s on to the​ nex​t gen​era​tio​n.



Cow​ard​ice​ on all​ fro​nts​.



Cow​ard​ice​, spi​n and​ BS.​



No-​one​ bel​iev​es any​thi​ng you​ say​ any​mor​e SUF​C.



Up you​rs.​



Y Griffiny

 

 

Saturday 15th March entry

Please check out our new updates in the links on the left, Y Griffiny TV is a smashing waste of time if you are staying home listening to the wireless coverage of the Iron away at QPR. Also, for those of you living on the moon the new Y Griffiny video has been released so check that out too here.

Keep it Y Griffiny guy and gals, if it's Y Griffiny it's in, enjoy.

 

Monday 28th January entry


We have finally waved the white flag, or rather Steve Wharton has. In a shocking and dismal transfer window for the Iron absolutely no ambition has been shown and the current squad look disjointed, dejected, resigned to their capitulation and impending relegation. Without a leadership of strength and investment the current Iron squad are in freefall from the Championship and there are doubts whether the support will recover their belief and faith in Scunthorpe United FC and the current set-up. It was a dream come true for most fans to see their team in the second tier and doing rather well too, sadly the board failed to capitalise on the great start handed to them by the players and we are now paying a horrible price for their failure and tight-fisted stance, Wharton may have under-estimated the public opinion in Scunthorpe ranks when proudly announcing he would be a "Scrooge". Disgraceful, shocking waste Steve.


Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!


Tuesday 4th December entry

Scunthorpe 1 Blackpool 1

The day after the night before and Y Griffiny feels the need to comment on the home game against our bogey team Blackpool shown via satellite around the world, unlike the passion lacking performances that we have seen recently the Iron side that took the field against Blackpool were intent on winning and in style it seemed, the first 45 minutes saw Scunthorpe play good football to feet and totally out think the Seasiders in an attacking sense, what followed was an end to end football match with much incident, controversy and a right old ding dong with both sides playing decent stuff at times.

Jack Cork was certainly showing why Adkins should strike while this particular Iron is hot with showing the sort of form and class that Andy Keogh showed two seasons ago. Forget the result if you can, although badly needing a win to stave off the very real threat of relegation the Iron showed promise aplenty but lacking in real cutting edge to finish the casino of Great Britain off. Many problems have been glaringly obvious in this Scunthorpe squad this season but as a short term answer surely we should be preparing to act now in time for January, if scoring goals is the cancer eating away at the league table for the Iron then Y Griffiny has sort of found a cure......here it is:




Not my words Adkins but the words of the Scunthorpe Telegraph no less, at aged 28 the young-ish striker Matthew Marshall is showing the sort of form to dispel any criticism of being too old, past it, untested at league level etc..etc.

This young-ish man marshalled the BAPP Scunthorpe team to a outstanding victory in the prestigious World BAPP club championships and now is trampling all over the Sunday Leagues score-sheets with his keen eye for goal and non-stop work-rate, except when actually at work that is.

So join the Y Griffiny bandwagon once again and say it loud and say it proud: Marshall for Scunthorpe!! C'mon Adkins, get down to the park of a Sunday, earn your money and unearth a chrome-plated gem, failing that, sign this Marshall chap up.

C'mon who's playing Park Idol? Lets find a star!!

Y Griffiny fans: Seen any slightly portly, untested or clearly drunk chap knocking them in during your Sunday strolls around the Saturday/Sunday leagues, send us a pic and a brief description and we'll pass the details on to Nigel Adkins via the world-wide-web.

Also, if you happen to think you can play the midfield anchorman role, have passing ability, shooting prowess and can tackle hard but fairly Y Griffiny would like to hear from you, send your vital statistics on a postcard to Y Griffiny Towers clearly marked with the tag-line "If Goodwin can play for Scunthorpe, so can i!!"

Cheerio for now!


Sunday 14th November entry

It was a cold miserable day by the sea for the Iron faithful who travelled to witness the poorest display of Adkins' time in the hotseat with a 1-0 loss, bizarre substitutions and tactics by the fan's favourite sent the Scunthorpe United bandwagon into the bottom half of the table and raised heartbeat of every Iron fan who looked upon the league table. Shaleum Logan was to be the only shining beacon of hope in this rather predictable drab-fest.

Saturday the 3rd November entry

Alas, not even the flashing switchblades of Kelly Youga or the great touch of the master U19 International Jack Cork could save this horror-show from being a total shutout. Crystal Palace came to defend and the Iron midfield lacked the cutting edge to put the eagles defence to the sword.

It was in a hotly contested affair throughout, and although Scunthorpe United looked the better team, time and time again the ball flashed disappointingly into the final third to no end result, i do believe there was not a decent effort of note to test either keeper in the game. 

We all need to look hard and critically at this game, as it should be looked upon as two points dropped and the Iron management team should be working hard on strategies for unlocking the stubborn defences that aim to fight a staid battle in order to gain ground.

Come on, whose slicing the back four with the finely polished Katana of a master? No-one sadly, change it Adkins!!

Up the Iron, the journey continues!


Sunday 28th October entry

On this fine day in Cardiff the men of Iron were facing a mighty spending force of Wales with such big rumbling artillery as Robbie Fowler, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Trevor Sinclair in their ranks it was going to be a tough ask for the Claret and blue army to hold back the tide of attack. However, Scunthorpe United proved once again that fear of reputation has no place on the field of battle and rightly took the attack into the Bluebirds' nest. With force and guile, openings were fashioned and squandered in the first half for the Iron, this folly was to be punished in the form of McPhail who flicked Cardiff ahead on 37 minutes.

However this Iron team is no pushover once knocked down but who would have thought that the saviour of the day would be under-fire midfielder Jim Goodwin, Goodwin has faced flak in abundance from supporters for below par performances over the last few weeks but the fire of an indignant soul must have burned deep into his heart as he rocketed a scorching equaliser from Hurst's cross on 55 minutes, cometh the hour cometh the man hath ne'er a truer word been spoken? A good point and well deserved.

 

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

 

--Rudyard Kipling

Wednesday 24th October entry

Many might have thought that like the Allies' attempt to break through German lines in the battle of Arnhem, Hillsborough might be a bridge too far for the Iron, with Brian Laws under immense pressure to gain a result for the Owls in order to retain his creaky, rickety status in the hot-seat that he so desired.

And so the battle of Hillsborough followed, 3500 war-bitten veterans of the Scunthorpe United cause gathered with menace and bitterness in their souls to sound an echoing battle cry around the Leppings lane end of Sheffield Wednesday's heartland, and so it began with the "Nigel Adkins' Barmy Army!" chant spitting bile from every pore of the stand with pride and somewhat cunningly directed at the stands in which Laws was bunkered in deep no doubt.

This was personal, this was a proud town's backlash and a show of strength was needed. The game was scrappy and fought hard with tackles flying in from both sides which allowed no fluency to the game, one suspects this was to be the Owls undoing. They had a deserved penalty coolly dispatched by Deon Burton in the 17th minute after a Jim Goodwin nightmare in the penalty area, but 2 minutes later the Iron soldiers of fortune defied the odds yet again with Paterson stabbing a ball shaped bayonet into Laws' ribs making it 1-1.

In the 40th minute the troops in the Leppings lane seats had their wicked way, with the modern day "Irish Rambo" Paterson stepping up once again with a superb conversion of a Taylor cross to cause a near Krakatoa east of Java in the away enclosure. "Lawsy, Lawsy, what's the score?" the delighted following taunted gleefully.

The taunts and jeers towards the Iron's ex-dictator continued through the night despite a scrappy and uneventful second half following the half-time break with neither side looking dangerous or threatening despite ridiculous possession conceded by Scunthorpe, but no-one cared, the main thing was 3 points and a dejected and lonely looking figure standing in the Sheffield Wednesday "technical" area.

The defensive formation and lack of midfield creation or width may have frustrated Iron fans but thankfully the blue and white artillery were woefully off target  with many a "high wide and handsome" chance squandered and sent every man jack of the Scunthorpe following home happy. Job done!

The joyful chant of "You're getting sacked in the morning! You're getting sacked in the morning!" will echo in the mind of Brian Laws for some time i expect.

Ho ho!

Y Griffiny indeed.




Sheffield Wednesday not pictured [Snigger]



Sunday 21st October entry

Poor entertainment was Y Griffiny's view of the match served up for the instant noodle generation watching on SKY. Leicester were terrible and Scunthorpe failed to find a killer blow as the problems in midfield creation continued, the Iron were on top for most of the game but that really isn't saying much for this game as the high bombs and channel balls were aplenty.

The catching practice for both keepers continued throughout this dire fare, despite Hume being sent off for persistant fouls and uncontrolled aggression this could hardly have been considered entertainment.

Scunthorpe really must do more to stay in this division than sheer workrate and trench warfare, we are being found out constantly in the guile and technique department and Y Griffiny begs the bigwigs to halt the slide in performances with proven classy additions to the midfield.

Y Griffiny expects.....

Saturday 6th October entry

Well having just got back from witnessing the destruction of my team i could be forgiven for being mournful and depressed but Watford showed real quality and were deserved winners to be honest.

Watching the first twenty minutes was akin to the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan with the Iron forces being totally out gunned and lacking in control. The heavy artillery of gold and black threatened to slaughter the troops in their own backyard, and so it came to pass.

The determined Scunthorpe fightback came in the latter stages of the first half and Forte's clever chip was to die for, however Watford continued their dominance in the second half and the Iron wilted badly under the pressure.

Overall the Iron must do better at this level if they are to survive and quality players are needed to assure this great status for any length of time.

Ho hum.



Wednesday 3rd October entry

A mild night in Norwich provided much more of a storm than the scoreline suggested actually, with the Iron peppering the Canaries defence with light artillery and Norwich responding with the heavy shelling of a long ball game directed to the marauding shape of Darren Huckerby.

Despite their threatening shape and pillaging forces, the men of green and yellow failed to make any ground against the stubborn force of the resilient Iron back four, when changes were needed Adkins sent his men into battle with no fear and a real home fire in their belly.

The introduction of  Izzy Iriekpen was truly a master-stroke as the men sporting Alan Partridge's finest clobber were in danger of making Cliff Byrne lose his cool when cool heads were desperately needed.

In the retrospective view of a battle well fought, 0-0 was a fair outcome of a game lacking in real heroic "over the top" attitude to decide the three points.

Scunthorpe United will return to their barracks truly satisfied in their endeavours i'm sure.

Watford are next to test the Glanford Park fortress gates and a full house of baying locals will be there quite willing to witness the destruction of a household name.

Bring on the play-offs!!!!

Monday 1st October entry

Twas an ordinary day in football folklore as the Iron trojan horse rumbled ominously into Colchester. The Scunthorpe team sat prepared for a battle, prepared and silent in their contemplation of what would greet them at the gates of Layer road.

One man was to settle this contest, his flashing golden locks and sword forged of deft, unassuming Iron will was to cut a deep gorge in the side of popular opinion with achilles-esque brutality.

With the superb touch of a footballer at the top of his game Paul Hayes struck dumb the voices of dissension in the fan's ranks and proved once again that quality in the battle is of utmost importance and a finely polished sword and the skills of a master can overthrow the walls of the most stubborn of defences.

Colchester 0 Scunthorpe 1

Be still my beating heart as the heady heights of sixth place are upon us.




Sunday 22nd September entry

Well Scunthorpe challenged the big guns this Saturday and were right royally shelled into submission it was a gallant fight full of spunk and determination but the best team won unfortunately.

West Brom punished the Iron for their folly at times and this was the difference between the two teams, how Barraclough and Goodwin deserve a place in the midfield is beyond me, creativity and guile still missing from the centre of the green, but i'm not picking the team, Barraclough is, only kidding chaps!

Get Cork and Morfaw in for god's sake Adkins!

However i digress, Paterson was superb again, causing endless problems left, right and centre of the last third, Youga showed his talent well once again and the entire Scunthorpe United team certainly showed the fight and spirit in the last ten minutes to prove that this battle ain't over until it's over, lets just pick the best method of operation, eh Nige?


Wednesday 19th September entry

Well, well, well. Just as you think the season maybe taking a turn for the worse, Adkins' army treat the fans to a blood and guts performance of epic and dramatic proportions with a sending off for Preston, a penalty save by Murphy and a two-one victory of immense value and significance.

Martin Paterson showed his battle weary troops the way with many single-handed patrols into enemy territory, armed only with his boots and sheer aggression.

He even paved the way for Paul Hayes to fire a gut-wrenching blow to the visitors netting four minutes into the second half, such is this young man's influence.

Murphy also held the back line with fearless intensity beating away all the enemy contact including a good save from from striker Patrick Agyemang and he threw himself at full-stretch to turn away a stinging drive from  Darren Carter.

The bombardment toward the end was heavy but this team is not unused to this kind of battle, it shows character, hope and belief in the will and human spirit that will win many battles like this to come.

All these characteristics will be tested on Saturday with the visit of West Bromwich Albion, but i see no quivering of lips, no cowardice in the face of mighty forces, vanquish we can and vanquish we will.

Y Griffiny

Martin Paterson's anger management!!
Martin Paterson's anger management!!
Martin Paterson's anger management!!

Up the Iron.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the Keegan interview just added to the links on the nav bar, it really is good stuff. Keegan as a 17 year old trainee and training at Quibell park, top stuff.

That's the way to head a ball kids!

Sunday 16th September '07 entry

Well as the fruit of the horse chestnut tree fell and spiked the veins of the Y Griffiny fan outside the Honest Lawyer we might have been forgiven for thinking this was some kind of all conquering omen, well we set off aboard the Iron Union coaches with gladness in our hearts and the spirit of young Billy Casper in our souls.


The day however sadly failed to live up to the working class fairytale expected for the strong following of Iron faithful who sang their hearts out for the spunky, gutsy performance given by the eleven men of Iron for the entirety of the first forty five minutes in which Scunthorpe United thoroughly dominated the lacklustre Barnsley mob, who were distinctly lacking in direction, ideas and energy.


Sadly after the desperately unlucky first goal at the near stroke of half-time in which Crosby bizarrely blasted the ball into Williams' backside and the ball looped over a despairing dive by Joe Murphy the heads began to drop and it was clear that the uncompromising and ugly approach to the tykes' football was going to prove too much for the Iron.


The total football approach was dropped for a more direct approach by Adkins later in the second half and this sealed Scunthorpe's fate, they were never going to match the Barnsley team in the arena that they know best and a poor second half with the heavy handed Odejayi pressing and out-muscling the Iron defence for his first goal for his new club to make it two nil.


The 2-0 result told a sad but fair reflection of the game and the signs of the lack of creativity in midfield were no more evident than in this game for Adkins. With a squad as threadbare as his, it must be only a matter of days before the next loan signing is brought in.

Honourable mentions must go to Martin Paterson, looking like a modern day Rambo, complete with his all stopping thousand yard stare, he was terrorising the Barnsley defence with his usual kestrel like predatory instinct and his manic, post traumatic stress disorder madness in the penalty box for the entirety of his time on the pitch. Adkins...why take him off? Legend.

Kelly Youga was outstanding for the whole 90 minutes with his solid pacey defending, double switchblade attacking style and entertaining duels with his opposite number, it truly was a joy to behold in an otherwise poor performance.

C'mon Adkins make the changes and lets make them permanent! Why is Goodwin still on the pitch? What is wrong with young Cork? He has to be a better passer and get some bloody creativity in midfield, this should have been sorted out long ago.

The battlefield has seen it's first major outbreak of trenchfoot and the sullen, battle weary soldiers must summon all their pluck and guile to outwit enemies of dastardly shelling and might, but this enemy is full of cowardice, with much diving, feigning injury and complaining, so hit them where it hurts Iron, push on with all the might you can muster! Use the trickery and skill of the sword and silence the big guns forever.

They don't like it up 'em so shove it right up 'em!

Up the freaking Iron!!

Saturday 31st of March 07 report:

Scunthorpe stretched their unbeaten run to 18 games as their dream of Championship football moved another step closer, second-half goals from Billy Sharp and Jermaine Beckford pushed them four points clear at the top of the League One table.

But they were made to battle in the first half by a dogged Bradford side slipping deeper into relegation trouble.

Player-manager David Wetherall marshalled his defensive forces well to keep Scunthorpe at bay as the home side dominated much of the opening 45 minutes.

However only once during the first half was City goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts really tested when he kept out a shot from Sharp, the Bantams might even have snatched a shock lead with Billy Paynter going close with a far post header.

It was Scunthorpe who went in front in the 56th minute when leading marksman Sharp netted his 27th goal of the season after twisting in the box to fire in a close range shot that was deflected off what looked like Beckford's rear past Ricketts, eat your heart out Ronaldhino.

Bradford rallied and thought they were back on level terms in the 65th minute when Weatherall headed home from a corner.

But their joy was relatively short-lived when referee Clive Oliver ruled out the effort for a foul on goalkeeper Joe Murphy, one group of Bradford followers however had obviously been affected by selective sight and hearing problems and still continued to celebrate as Murphy lined up the free-kick.

Ho-hum.

Scunthorpe struck again in the 76th minute when Beckford made it 2-0 with a speculative left-foot drive from 25 yards that left Ricketts no chance and hit the bottom corner with style and aplomb this was his seventh goal in 12 games since joining the club on loan from Leeds and only one has been a tap-in.

I just hope Dennis Wise has his beady eyes on other matters.

Scunthorpe march on at the top and that's all Y Griffiny to me!

 

 

Saturday 24th of March report:

 

Billy Sharp's last-gasp goal gave Scunthorpe a 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient to maintain their unbeaten record

Wayne Corden came back to haunt his old club with the opener for Orient four minutes before half-time, but Neil MacKenzie drew Scunthorpe level six minutes after the break.

Orient were down to ten men just before the hour mark when John Mackie was sent-off for a professional foul.

Despite their numerical disadvantage Gary Hooper fired Orient in front three minutes from time, but Scunthorpe refused to give in and Sharp popped up with a crucial equaliser in the dying seconds to rescue a vital point for the Iron.

It's getting tight at the top with the Iron's lead cut to just two points after wins by Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Yeovil.

 

No fear! Gulp.

Roll on the Iron bandwagon

 

 

Saturday 10th of March report:

 

 

Scunthorpe United v Nottingham Forest at Glanford Park

 

Nottingham Forest came to Glanford Park on Saturday the 10th of March desperately needing all three points to stay in touch with an automatic promotion spot, however this Adkins team are certainly dogged and determined in defence and seemingly capable of scoring against any back four with sporadic bursts of genius. The near capacity crowd of 8906 were really giving their all to create an atmosphere from 2-00pm onwards but the tension of the game was obvious.

 

Nottingham Forest really bruised and bullied their way into the game in the first half and gave the Iron plenty of free-kicks to work with but Scunthorpe failed to capitalise on these, the chances were few and far between really but on 18 minutes a normally composed Joe "Safe hands" Murphy was left totally exposed and acted rashly in attempting a last ditch tackle on Jack Lester when through on goal, Kris Commons took up the rebound and curled a shot into the net, with a speculative shot from Beckford being the only other chance created in open play for Scunthorpe in the first 45 minutes the Iron fans looked nervous.

 

Adkins must have got stuck into the team at half-time as for not the first time this season a different Scunthorpe United came out for the second half and on 46 minutes Matt Sparrow worked brilliantly down the left to fashion a golden chance that Billy Sharp made no mistake with for his 25th goal of the season.

 

Iron pressure was relentless and Forest's counter-attacks still looked dangerous, it was still anyones game right up until the final whistle but a draw was a fair result and with the Iron six points clear at the top of league one after the game, it turned out to be a vital point.

 

 

Saturday 3rd of March report:

 

Brentford v Scunthorpe United at Griffin Park

 

The record breaking Iron bandwagon steamed into Brentford expecting to get three points at Griffin Park today, Nigel Adkins rightly told the people of Scunthorpe in the local media that "we haven't won anything yet" and the team followed suit and kept the foot on the accelerator.

 

United pressed hard and looked dangerous thoughout the first half but Brentford won a highly dubious penalty for a push in the box early on in the game, justice was served when the penalty was skied horribly and nearly warranted an appeal from the RSPB

 

Cleveland Taylor in excellent form, but it was Beckford again showing his great class who struck a superb shot to open the scoring on 40 minutes, it left the 620 travelling Iron fans with some euphoric sauce to go on their half-time pie and peas.

 

However, Brentford were not to be rolled over easily and they fought back into the game, but the defence which included the quite brilliant first full game of the season for Andy Butler in the abscence of the sick Iron captain Andy Crosby held firm and was the rock on which that the counter-attacks of Sharp, Taylor and Beckford were built on.

It was Taylor that finished the game on 88 minutes with an amazing strike after a Sharp assist to send the Iron ten points clear after Port Vale defeated new rivals Yeovil.

Amazing!!!!

 

 

Saturday 24th of February report:

 

Scunthorpe United v Gillingham at Glanford Park

 

Scunthorpe moved seven points clear at the top of League One with a fifth successive victory.

They opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Richard Hinds headed home a left-wing cross from Lee Ridley.

Matt Jarvis levelled the scores in the 54th minute with a simple tap-in but Gillingham had Ben Chorley sent off for pulling back striker Jermaine Beckford.

Dave Mulligan scored the free-kick and substitute Ian Morris wrapped up the scoring from just inside the box to end the game with a satisfying score of 3-1 to the Iron.

 

 

Tuesday 20th of February report:

Swansea City v Scunthorpe United at the Liberty stadium

 

Goals from Billy Sharp on the three minute mark and Jermaine Beckford on 71 minutes saw the league leaders power to an easy win over the woeful Swans.

Sharp put Scunthorpe in front when Willy Gueret's save with his feet fell to the top scorer who gave a clinical finish.

The home side's misery increased when striker Adebayo Akinfenwa was stretchered off with a broken leg.

And, when Gueret could only parry a long-range strike from Neil Mackenzie, Beckford was left with a simple tap-in.

 

Saturday 17th of February report:

 

Scunthorpe United v Rotherham United at Glanford Park

 

I'm afraid there was no getting away from the fact that this Iron performance was a poor one on a very bad pitch, Scunthorpe were looking by far the better side in the first half and Jermaine Beckford scored one of the best solo goals ever seen at Glanford Park on 17 minutes with neat footwork on the edge of the box before releasing a delightful left foot drive that curled and crashed off the inside of the far post into the net to send the Glanford Park faithful wild with delight.

This however was one of the very few high points for the Iron in a largely disappointing effort and in the second half Rotherham fought tooth and nail to survive in the division and get something from the game, it was only another simply outstanding effort by Scunthorpe keeper Joe Murphy that kept the score 1-0 and when Rotherham were awarded a penalty on 67 minutes it seemed inevitable that the Millers would score, Murphy however, had other ideas and saved the resulting spot-kick to the delight of the nervous home crowd.

Time after time, Murphy saved the Iron from Henderson and Partridge's onslaught in the second period, but somehow the ball stayed out and the Scunthorpe United bandwagon rolled on albeit somewhat luckily.

The result was marred by a collision between Murphy and Byrne which resulted in the right back being knocked unconsicious and Murphy being treated for a gash to the head.

That aside the Nigel Adkins "believe and achieve" motto seems to be paying dividends and his claret and blue army go clear at the top of League One by three points.

 

The highlights from the Rotherham game:

 

Scunthorpe vs Rotherham
Uploaded by FootballHeaven

Y Griffiny indeed and after the comments of Swansea City's prospective new manager Roberto Martinez: "Swansea City is a fantastic football club, it's in my heart and the problem is that they are living in a division where they don't belong," Y Griffiny has adjusted the table accordingly.

 

 

 

Monday 5th of February report:

 

Scunthorpe United v Bristol City at Glanford Park live on SKY

 

Striker Billy Sharp celebrated his 21st birthday with his 21^st goal of the season as Scunthorpe marched three points clear at the top of League One. Sharp struck in the 41st minute, collecting a free-kick from Jim Goodwin on the edge of the box and turning to find the bottom far corner of the net with a well-struck shot.

It was a typically tough top of the table battle on a difficult, sandy and bumpy pitch but the Iron showed the mental toughness that powered Scunthorpe to the top of the table.

City had the edge in the early stages, forcing a number of corners and centre-back Louis Carey went close with a header that flew just inches wide.  Scott Murray might also have done better with a fierce left-foot shot that flashed wide of the far post.

Scunthorpe United fought their way into the game with some good work by winger Kevan Hurst, making his debut on loan from Sheffield United.

At the start of the second half striker Jermaine Beckford had a chance to stretch Scunthorpe's lead, but his touch let him down at the far post with only goalkeeper Adriano Basso to beat.

Midfield man Lee Johnson kept driving City forward but they struggled to break down a solid Scunthorpe defence in which centre-backs Andy Crosby and Steve Foster  have been outstanding

Bristol City created just one good chance to equalise in the 75th minute when striker Kevin Betsy steered a close-range shot just wide of the near post with the goal seemingly at his mercy.

That was the last opening they created and in the closing stages it was Sharp who almost made it 2-0 when he volleyed just wide of the far post from an excellent cross by substitute Ian Morris.

It was a huge win for Scunthorpe and Y Griffiny fans  who are still dreaming of Championship football, a dream that is looking more likely each and every week, Nigel Adkins is stamping his mark on this Iron team with a fan-friendly positive upbeat attitude and it shows, believe and achieve was his resounding message and I do believe the fans are finally starting to believe.

Y Griffiny MOM – Billy Sharp of course.

League one table as it stands after the Bristol City game:

 

Saturday 29th January report:

 

Scunthorpe v Millwall at Glanford Park

 

Scunthorpe United kept the pressure on the top four by retaining their rightful place at the top of the pile-up that is league one, Millwall were no match for a depleted Scunthorpe side and were swept aside 3-0.

It was a professional performance with only some poor finishing keeping Millwall's hopes alive at half-time. New loan signing Jermaine Beckford should have had a hat-trick but showed enough to warrant his place in line-up, the opener finally came in the 50th minute as Goodwin capitalised on keeper spillage from close range, Billy Sharp was fouled inside the box a couple of minutes later and Andy Crosby made no mistake from the resultant spot kick.

Jermaine Beckford capped a decent debut with an easy tap-in on 79 minutes to make it 3-0 and sent the Scunthorpe fans home full of cheer.

However, as the transfer window closes in a matter of days concern grows amongst fans of the Iron at the lack of incoming players to Glanford Park, with the huge task ahead of containing and creating against teams like Bristol City and Nottingham Forest surely something must be done to better the service to the front players?

Y Griffiny MOM - Cleveland Taylor

 

 

 

Saturday 20th January report:

 

Doncaster Rovers v Scunthorpe United at the Keepmoat stadium

 

Second-half goals from Graeme Lee and Jason Price earned Doncaster a point after they had been outplayed by the table toppers in the first period.

League One leaders the Iron were by far the better side at the start despite being without the suspended League one golden boot contender Billy Sharp and injured midfielder Ian Baraclough.

Scunthorpe came out fighting to take the game to Doncaster and were rewarded as they struck twice to lead 2-0. Andy Keogh made the breakthrough in the 15th minute when he dribbled through from midfield before unleashing a beautiful shot from the edge of the box which sailed into the bottom corner.

 

Keogh was involved again in Scunthorpe's second before Drew Talbot hammered the ball goalwards. Rovers keeper Ben Smith did well to parry the shot but could only watch in agony when the ball rebounded off Talbot into the back of the net.

It took Doncaster some time to get back into the game but they were denied just before the interval when Joe Murphy pulled off a fantastic save to keep out a brilliant effort from Brian Stock.

Murphy came to the rescue again early in the second half with an almost world class save to prevent Jonathan Forte from volleying home from point-blank range.

Doncaster were really looking dangerous by this time and the pressure took it's toll as their captain Graeme Lee made it 2-1 with an unstoppable header following a corner from Stock in the 57th minute.

Two minutes later Forte dashed down the left and sent over a cross for former Hull City striker Jason Price to volley into the back of the net.

Both sides worked tirelessly for the winner with Lee denied by a goal-line clearance from Marcus Williams before Smith produced a double save to keep out Cleveland Taylor at the other end.

Doncaster finished on top but Scunthorpe defended well and a draw was a fair reflection of what was a drama filled derby at the Keepmoat Stadium.

 

Scunthorpe remain top of League one by goal difference but it sure is tight up there and with Nigel Adkins refusing to confirm or deny suggestions that Keogh will be on his way sometime this week Y Griffiny will be strongly voicing their concern at the questionable ambition of such a move by the board.

 

Keogh should be going no-where, get ready for a backlash from the fans Wharton!

 

Tuesday 16 January report:

Cheltenham Town v Scunthorpe United at Whaddon Road

 

The Robins took a 17th-minute lead when a quite superb Gillespie volley flew into the net giving the Iron's goalkeeper Joe Murphy no chance.

Cheltenham had a glorious chance to double their lead before the break when the lively Gillespie saw an effort turned around the foot of the post.

The second half began with the visitors going close when an Ian Baraclough drive was blocked on the line but the game was to turn on 59 minutes when Gillespie saw red following a nasty looking late challenge on Lee Ridley.

Two minutes later and a Billy Sharp effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Robins goalkeeper Shane Higgs as the visitors piled on the pressure.

They were finally rewarded 11 minutes from time when danger-man Sharp darted and headed home a Jim Goodwin free-kick to give Scunthorpe a vital point taking them to the top of League one once again.

The game wasn't without a huge cost however as both Williams and Barraclough were stretchered off with nasty looking injuries.

 

Y Griffiny MOM - Billy Sharp of course!

 

 

Saturday 13 January report:

Scunthorpe v Oldham Athletic at Glanford Park

 

Oldham snatched an equaliser deep into stoppage time in a dramatic top-of-the-table clash against Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park.

It came after Scunthorpe had been reduced to nine men after two red cards in the space of three minutes early in the second half.

First to go for the home side was substitute Cliff Byrne for his challenge on winger Chris Taylor in the 61st minute. Three minutes later United were reeling again when Cleveland Taylor got his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Earlier Oldham had dominated the first half without being able to find their finishing touch in front of goal.

Skipper Will Haining headed a free kick straight at goalkeeper Joe Murphy while midfield man Gary McDonald fired in a 20-yard shot that was deflected just wide.

The visitors were unlucky in the 16th minute when striker Paul Warne found the back of the net with a close range header, only to be flagged offside.

Scunthorpe struggled to get into their stride in the opening 45 minutes, but suddenly found themselves in front nine minutes into the second half.

It came when Ian Morris delivered a curling cross from the left which was headed into his own net by Oldham centre-back Sean Gregan.

The home side didn't have the chance to build on that lead before falling foul of referee Darren Deadman, who also booked nine players to add to his two red cards.

There was no mistaking that this referee was one of the poorest officials seen at Glanford Park and sections of the crowd were understandably at boiling point.

For the final half-hour Adkins outlaws' were forced to defend desperately in and around their box.

The ever brilliant goalkeeper Joe Murphy was on top form, keeping out close range shots from leading marksman Chris Porter and from winger Taylor.

It was four minutes into stoppage time when Oldham finally salvaged a point with midfield man McDonald popping up to rifle the ball home from six yards after a real goalmouth scramble.

Admittedly it was an equaliser the visitors deserved but it was bad luck on the Iron who had defended so heroically for so long.

The fans may have gone home desperately disappointed but the players responded to the fans performance with equal passion and commitment in the face of adversity, well done all!

 

Y Griffiny MOM - Joe Murphy!!!

Next stop Cheltenham away on tuesday and the Iron really need the three points in this game to maintain any sort of serious Championship ambition.

See the highlights/lowlights of the Oldham game

 

 

Saturday 6th January report:

 

Joy oh joy, Scunthorpe United had a huge slice of luck today, their vital league one clash away at Cheltenham was postponed due to the rainfall, the Iron were staring defeat in the face after every one of their strikers and three other first team players had injury doubts but the gods look kindly upon those who make their own luck and the game was abandoned.

Hoorah for the downpour.

 

Monday 1st January report:

 

Port Vale v Scunthorpe United at Vale Park

 

Driving rain certainly didn't add to the entertainment factor in this New Year's day fixture but the 0-0 draw was a welcome point to end a hugely successful Christmas campaign for the Iron.

Sheer effort and energy from both sides apart, this was largely a game to forget and a point to savour although Billy Sharp had a glorious opportunity to steal the game at the death when Keogh found Sharp unmarked at the back post but the young inexperienced Vale keeper Anyon made a tremendous low save and denied Scunthorpe United the three points.

 

 

Saturday 30th December report:

Scunthorpe United v Bournemouth at Glanford park

The Iron yet again failed to show their full potential in front of the improving but disappointing crowd of 4794 but I guarantee that of the Scunthorpe contingent every one of those fans went home joyfully happy and no doubt started the New Year celebrations early.

 

It started so well for the Iron with their captain Andy Crosby forcing a shot into net at the second attempt on 8 minutes. Scunthorpe sent their fans into a claret and blue blur of excitement when Morris sent Keogh racing into the box and the Irishman finished with the precision of a Katana wielding Samurai to make it 2-0 on 29 minutes.

Sharp continued the 45 minute rout with a well-taken angled drive into the net of a dishevelled Bournemouth side that certainly looked well beaten by the half-time whistle.

 

Kevin Bond the Bournemouth manager however had other ideas he made three substitutions and “Had words at half-time”. A different, more purposeful Bournemouth were now threatening to spoil the New Year party and one of those substitutes Sam Volkes was quick to capitalise on Joe Murphy’s dawdling on the ball outside the box he dispossessed the former Sunderland Keeper and walked the ball into the empty net.

 

Scunthorpe fans were chewing the stumps of their fingers when Volkes volleyed a second from an Anderton cross on 75 minutes to make it 3-2. The crowd quite understandably began to get tetchy and irritable in the second half but credit to the players they held their own and still created chances with Keogh, Sharp and Taylor all looking dangerous and at least one of them probably should have scored but the dream of topping the table at New Year came to pass. At the final whistle the triumphant  rabble-rousing celebrations on the pitch by Adkins, Barraclough and the other players showed a team spirit not seen at Scunthorpe United for quite some time.

 

Y Griffiny!