Promotion Final Preview: Scunthorpe United v Chester

Both had their chances to take the title by the scruff of the neck but ultimately had to settle for doing it the hard way - and now they're potentially just 90 minutes away.

It was the semi-final stage last season when Scunthorpe United fell - losing to rivals Boston United on penalties in front of a packed Attis Arena. And it won't be much easier this time around.

Calum McIntyre brings his well-drilled Chester side into town and they're on form - the Seals are six from six in their last National League North games played.

Time to run the rule over these two...

The story so far….
Scunthorpe United spent most of the season either first or second but fell agonisingly short of eventual winners Brackley Town. The Iron make light work of their semi-final with Chorley - batting the Magpies away with a 4-2 win.

Chester were also in the title conversation when they eventually got their act together - they spent more time out of the top seven than in it this season but have looked more than up for the play-offs so far - seeing off Buxton first before heading to Kidderminster Harriers and advancing.

The leading goalscorers
Scunthorpe United
Callum Roberts: 20
Danny Whitehall: 14
Alfie Beestin: 8

Chester
Tom Peers: 19
Harrison Burke: 12
Connor Woods: 8

Head-to-head
22/03/25: Scunthorpe United 3-1 Chester
19/10/24: Chester 0-0 Scunthorpe United

What the managers say...
Andy Butler, Scunthorpe United:"Both have teams have overcome adversity of the past few years but together have smashed the National League North attendance record (twice) and are both looking to progress into the National League.

"As a manager you are judged by your squad, and I cannot fault this group. From the moment they turned up for pre-season, their hard work and professionalism has been a joy to manage, they have represented themselves and their families incredibly well.

"To the fans, it has been a season of learning, a season of ups and downs, a season of being patient and hopefully a season of reward. I understand that everyone is passionate about the team they support and love and get frustrated when results don’t go our way but thank you for sticking with us."

Calum McIntyre, Chester:: "I do not need to overstate the importance of this afternoon's game. One of the two sides will be promoted to the National League today, achieving a season-long goal.

"During the second half of this season, we feel we have shown we are capable of winning promotion. An impressive points return over the second 23 games of the season, followed by back-to-back wins in our play-off games means we feel we are genuinely worthy of a place in this afternoon's Promotion Final."