Stockport v Scunthorpe preview

The Hatters are keen to build on their impressive start

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Jim Gannon

Gannon: Settled quickly at new level

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Newly-promoted meets recently-relegated as Stockport face Scunthorpe at Edgeley Park.

The Hatters have certainly adapted to life in the third tier better than their opponents, going unbeaten through their opening three fixtures.

The only slight concern for Jim Gannon will be a lack of goals, with only two scored so far.

Scunthorpe began the season in disastrous fashion, losing their first three games in all competitions, but will hope to have turned the corner following a 1-0 win over Peterborough last week.

Hatters headache

Stockport boss Gannon has a number of injury concerns for the home clash with the Iron.

Matty McNeil suffered a knee injury during the pre-match warm-up at Hartlepool last Saturday and played no part in the 1-0 win.

Right-back Johnny Mullins suffered medial ligament damage following a crunching block tackle on Willie Boland and was replaced at half-time at Victoria Park.

The pair are expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks and midfielder Jason Taylor is over a month away from full fitness.

Taylor is currently sidelined with a foot injury but striker Peter Thompson will be available again after shaking off a thigh injury.

Gannon, meanwhile, has admitted he is unlikely to make any permanent new signings before the closure of the transfer window next Monday.

Iron woes

Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins has a number of absentees for his side's trip to Stockport.

Skipper Izzy Iriekpen has had an injection to cure his troublesome groin injury and is likely to be sidelined for around two weeks, while fellow centre-half Kenny Milne looks set to be out until the end of the year with a knee injury.

Andy Crosby and Joe Wilcox are both on the road to recovery following their respective knee problems but face at least another week on the sidelines before they can push for a place in the first team.

However, the Iron are boosted by the return of former Huddersfield defender David Mirfin, who missed the victory over Peterborough through suspension.