The FA Trophy Round of 32 clash between Scunthorpe and Clitheroe on January 10, 2026, at Attis Arena is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both clubs. Scunthorpe rides the wave of five consecutive wins, brimming with confidence, while Clitheroe struggles with form, recently bogged down by four draws and a defeat in their last five outings. The stakes couldn't be higher: a place in the knockout rounds against an opponent who appears worlds apart in terms of momentum.
Scunthorpe, currently riding high in the National League after dispatching Gateshead 2-0 in their last match, is establishing itself as a force not just locally but also in cup competitions. With sharp attacking prowess led by Danny Whitehall, whose late goal sealed that win, they have demonstrated resilience and depth; their 5-0 destruction of Peterborough Sports earlier this month was nothing short of a tactical masterclass. They play with urgency, outpacing opponents and controlling games-reflected by an impressive average of over two goals scored per game during this stretch.
On the flip side, Clitheroe has found itself ensnared in frustrating stalemates, exemplified by their recent 2-2 draw against Atherton Collieries where they squandered crucial points. With just one win in their last five matches-a trend that's become all too familiar-they're in danger of exiting the competition early if they can't rediscover their competitive edge. Their attack lacks sharpness; being held to multiple draws suggests an inability to convert chances into goals when it matters most.
Statistically speaking, Scunthorpe's recent form speaks volumes about their dominance; they've recorded over 15 shots per game during this run with a strong expected goals (xG) tally nearing three per match against lower-tier sides. This kind of attacking efficiency will test Clitheroe's defense hard-an area where they've faltered lately, often conceding late goals due to lapses in concentration or strategic errors.
In terms of player matchups, expect a fierce duel between Scunthorpe's high-pressing forwards and Clitheroe's back line. Watch out for Demi Eze, who netted twice against Peterborough Sports and looks poised to capitalize on defensive mishaps-he's currently flourishing as one of Scunthorpe's key attacking threats alongside Whitehall. For Clitheroe, much will depend on whether they can rally behind key figures like Jamie Frost-who has managed to find the back of the net intermittently despite his team's struggles-to challenge Scunthorpe's cohesive unit.
Head-to-head statistics further tilt the field towards Scunthorpe; they've historically had the upper hand in these encounters. When contrasting possession statistics shows that Scunthorpe averages close to 60% possession versus Clitheroe's roughly 45%, it paints a clear picture: dominating possession creates opportunities for shots-and Scunthorpe knows how to convert those chances into crucial goals.
Given these considerations, I anticipate that if Scunthorpe continues its current trajectory and capitalizes on Clitheroe's ongoing difficulties-inability to find consistent scoring while being vulnerable defensively-the outcome will likely favor them decisively. I'm calling it: expect Scunthorpe to clinch this match comfortably, likely winning by a scoreline around 3-1. If Clitheroe cannot adjust quickly enough, they'll see themselves packing up early from another cup campaign-a bitter pill that may haunt them for seasons to come.