Boston United welcome Scunthorpe to The Jakemans Community Stadium this Saturday for an FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie. The Pilgrims enter the match on the back of a difficult run of form, having lost their last three National League fixtures.

Their most recent outing was a dramatic 5-6 defeat at home to Southampton's under-21 side in the National League Cup on Tuesday. That result followed a 1-2 league loss to Southend and a heavy 0-6 defeat away at Yeovil Town. The club's league position reflects this struggle, sitting 21st in the National League standings with 12 points from 13 games.

Recent struggles

The cup loss to Southampton U21 was a wild affair, with Boston twice taking the lead through goals from Bostock and Canavan. Canavan scored twice, with Bostock also providing two assists, but defensive issues proved costly as the visitors scored six. In the prior league game against Southend, Bostock had opened the scoring inside a minute, but a late goal condemned United to another loss. The team has conceded an average of over two goals per game in the league, with their goal minutes showing a particular vulnerability in the final quarter of matches.

The starting lineup against Southend featured Chadwick in goal, with a back four of Teale, Rooney, Canavan and Shipley. The midfield trio was Bostock, Sutton and Pozo, supporting forwards Gent, Cursons and McBride.

Scunthorpe's form

Scunthorpe arrive with their own challenges, having lost their last two league matches. They were beaten 0-2 by AFC Fylde last weekend and lost 0-3 at Barrow the week before. Their last outing was a 2-2 draw with Derby County's under-21 side in the same cup competition Boston United exited. Their probable lineup from that Fylde match included Campbell in goal and a forward line featuring Norwood.

This cup match offers both sides a chance to reset. For Boston, progression would provide a welcome financial boost and a break from league concerns. The winner of this tie will advance to the first round proper of the FA Cup, with the next fixture for Boston United scheduled to be a league trip to Rochdale on the following Saturday.

Kick-off at The Jakemans Community Stadium is set for 3pm on Saturday.