Scunthorpe vs Woking

</h2>** <p><strong>Scunthorpe United welcome Woking to Glanford Park on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a fascinating early-season encounter between two teams traveling in completely opposite directions.</strong></p> <h3>The Momentum Factor</h3> <p>Few teams in the National League will enter this weekend with as much confidence as Scunthorpe United. Their <strong>2-1 victory at Tamworth</strong> last Friday showcased all the qualities that drove their remarkable promotion from the National League North - clinical finishing, game management, and a never-say-die attitude that saw them score twice in the opening 43 minutes before weathering a second-half storm.</p> <p>The Iron's promotion story reads like a Hollywood script. After years of struggle following their League Two relegation, last season's <strong>play-off victory over Chester (2-1)</strong> in May represented more than just a return to the fifth tier - it symbolized a club's resurrection. Manager's tactical approach has clearly resonated, with early goals becoming a trademark. Danny Whitehall's <strong>4th-minute opener</strong> at Tamworth followed by Oliver Ewing's crucial second demonstrates a team that starts matches with intensity and purpose.</p> <h3>Woking's Worrying Start</h3> <p>In stark contrast, Woking's opening-day performance against Carlisle raised serious questions about their readiness for the new campaign. The <strong>0-2 home defeat</strong> was characterized by a complete inability to create meaningful chances, with their attack looking toothless throughout. Conceding goals in the 57th and 81st minutes highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that opponents will certainly target.</p> <p>The Cards' recent history against Scunthorpe provides some comfort - they've won both previous encounters, including an emphatic <strong>4-1 victory</strong> in January 2023. However, that psychological advantage means little when current form tells such a different story.</p> <h3>Tactical Battleground</h3> <p>Scunthorpe's first-half dominance suggests they'll look to establish early control at Glanford Park. Their ability to score in the opening 15 minutes (as demonstrated by Whitehall's early strike) could prove decisive against a Woking side that appeared to lack confidence in their season opener. The Iron's <strong>88% time-leading percentage</strong> from their opener indicates strong game management once ahead.</p> <p>Woking's challenge lies in rediscovering their attacking identity. Their failure to register a single goal against Carlisle represents a concerning trend that new signings and tactical adjustments must address quickly. The pressure of traveling to face a confident promoted side adds another layer of complexity to their task.</p> <h3>Key Player Watch</h3> <p>All eyes will be on <strong>Danny Whitehall</strong>, whose opening-day goal demonstrated the predatory instincts that could terrorize Woking's fragile defense. His partnership with <strong>Carlton Ubaezuonu</strong> provides Scunthorpe with genuine goal threat from multiple angles. For Woking, striker <strong>Jake Hyde</strong> carries the burden of breaking their goal drought, while midfielder <strong>Matt Ward</strong> must provide the creativity that was sorely lacking against Carlisle.</p> <h3>The Verdict</h3> <p>While Woking's historical superiority in this fixture cannot be ignored, current form and momentum heavily favor the hosts. Scunthorpe's promotion-winning mentality, combined with their perfect start and home advantage, creates a compelling case for three points. The visitors' attacking struggles suggest this could develop into a frustrating afternoon for the traveling support.</p> <p>The smart money points toward <strong>Scunthorpe extending their perfect start</strong> while Woking's search for their first goal of the campaign continues. In the unforgiving environment of the National League, early-season momentum can prove decisive - and right now, all the momentum resides in North Lincolnshire.</p>