Iron men aim to dodge treble

SCUNTHORPE United aim to avoid a third defeat of the season at the hands of Athletic tonight.

Boosted by the loan signings of former centre-back David Mirfin and two-goal striker Jon Parkin, Alan Knill’s men have more physicality about them than on the previous meetings in league and cup this term.

The Iron’s 4-1 demolition job on lowly Wycombe at the weekend represented a third win in the last six league games for Scunthorpe.

And in the clash before that, away to Sheffield United, in the eyes of many neutrals Knill’s men were the better side before the red card shown to midfielder Sam Togwell shifted the balance of power the Blades’ way.

Togwell tonight serves the second of a three-game ban and he joins regular midfield partner Michael O’Connor on the sidelines.

The latter player received a red card on Saturday for retaliating to a challenge on the stroke of half-time.