Stat Attack: Scunthorpe United v Notts County

Notts County against Scunthorpe United is a relatively new fixture in English football - the first time these two faced off was on the 4th January 1969 in the old Division Four. On that day, goals by George Kerr and Nigel Cassidy gave the Iron a 2-1 victory (Richie Barker netted the consolation for the Magpies).

Since then, the two sides have played 24 games, Notts winning 16, losing five and drawing three.

Tomorrow's fixture between Notts and Scunny will be the fourth time that the two have met in the Football League Trophy competition in 17 years - the first clash was back in January 1997, when the competition was known as the Auto Windscreens Shield, and it ended in a 4-2 penalty shootout win for the Iron.

More recently, the Humber outfit won 2-1 in the (by now known as) Johnstone's Paint Trophy back in 2008, but the Magpies got some redemption when they won 2-1 just over two years ago.

Interestingly, these three fixtures have taken place at Glanford Park, as will tomorrow's game.

Scunthorpe United was formed in 1899. In 1910 they merged with local rivals Lindsey United to become Scunthorpe & Lindsey United, and joined the Midland Football League in 1912.

In 1950 was accepted into the Football League, ahead of Workington and Wigan Athletic when the league structure was expanded, with the "Lindsey" part of the name being dropped shortly after.

Ever since the club entered the league their nickname has been ‘The Iron’, a metal which has long played a role in the team’s nomenclature. Before 1950s Scunthorpe United were known as the Knuts.

The origin is uncertain but it is generally accepted as being when they won one of the local charity cups. The vicar of Frodingham, the Rev Cryspant Rust, said “that indeed Scunthorpe and Lindsey United were a tough (k)nut to beat”.

For a small club, the Iron have an impressive roll call of former players and managers. The most notable is Kevin Keegan, one of England's greatest ever footballers, who played for Scunny between 1966 and 1971.

Other alumni, either in a playing or managing capacity, include Ray Clemence, cricketer Ian Botham, Ian Storey-Moore, Neil Warnock, Jermaine Beckford, Billy Sharp, Andy Keogh, and current Leicester City manager Nigel Adkins, who used to be the club's physiotherapist.

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Scunny manager Russ Wilcox has limited options due to on-going injuries and will still be without striker Lyle Taylor, who has missed the last two matches due to a groin strain.

Defender Miguel Llera is pushing for a recall after a recent suspension, but goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, midfielder David Syers, defender David Mirfin and striker Deon Burton remain sidelined.

There is also a chance former Notts skipper Neal Bishop could turn out against the Magpies after his summer move to Glanford Park from Blackpool.

County will be without Liam Noble when they make the trip to Glanford Park, the midfielder picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during Saturday's 1-0 home win against Gillingham.

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll could make way for Fabian Speiss in goal while the likes of Zeli Ismail, Ronan Murray and Taylor McKenzie will all be hoping for recalls to the starting XI should Shaun Derry want to rotate his squad as he did against Mansfield Town in the previous round.