RECORD WATCHES CROWD THRILLER
TEN-MAN Scunthorpe showed fighting spirit as they twice came from behind to claim a draw against Chester in front of a record National League North crowd.
Some 7,511 fans – 1,200 more than the previous best set by Stockport County in 2019 – were treated to a thrilling contest in which neither side felt they deserved to lose.
Ben Tollitt’s breakaway had put the Seals ahead after half an hour at the Attis Arena, only for a glancing header from Liam McAlinden to level matters in the 59th minute.
The visitors were back in front within six minutes when skipper George Glendon finished from close range, before Scunthorpe’s afternoon went from bad to worse when they lost McAlinden to a straight red card shortly after.
Going down to ten however seemed to galvanise the Iron, who dominated the finale and deservedly levelled in the 83rd minute as Jacob Butterfield found the bottom corner from outside the box.
“It was fantastic to be part of a game like this,” Scunthorpe manager Jimmy Dean said. “The goals and the red card were difficult, but after going down to ten men we were absolutely sensational. I got a bit emotional at the end, with what has happened to this football club over the last six months.”
“To get 7,500 fans in shows how much this football club means to so many people. I think they saw a fantastic game of football and a fantastic advert for the league.”
Scunthorpe felt McAlinden’s red card – issued in the 68th minute for appearing to have his studs showing as he went into a challenge with Harrison Burke – was harsh.
They were also frustrated in the eighth minute of stoppage time when sub Alfie Beestin hit the bar.
“In the context of the season you’d be content with a point at a side that is a massive football club,” said Chester boss Calum McIntyre, whose side were roared on by more than 1,100 fans.
“Scunthorpe shouldn’t have dropped a point this season, but we’ve got four out of six against them which I reflect on really positively.”