Stat Attack: Scunthorpe United vs. Notts County, Tuesday 9 August 2016

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 27 games, and the record is firmly in the Magpies' favour, winning 18, drawing 4 and losing just 5.

Scunthorpe United were 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 the club 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 former Leicester City manager Nigel Adkins, who used to be the club's physiotherapist.

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Midfielder Sam Mantom is in contention to make his Scunthorpe United debut on Tuesday against Notts County, after his summer move to Glanford Park from League One rivals Walsall, while striker Paddy Madden remains sidelined with a calf strain.

Notts County captain Michael O'Connor is unlikely to lead the Magpies for the first time as he is yet to prove his fitness after an injury-hit pre-season.

Boss John Sheridan, however, is expected to make a number of changes following the 2-0 defeat by Yeovil Town.

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