Carlton Ubaezuonu was the hero as Scunthorpe United secured promotion back to the National League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chester.
The Iron clinched their return to the fifth tier after two years in the National League North, thanks to a late strike in extra time at Glanford Park. Goals from Daniel Whitehall and Carlton Ubaezuonu secured the result, ensuring the Iron’s return to the National League after a two-season absence.
Ubaezuonu Delivers In Extra Time As Iron Hold Their Nerve
The Iron struck first midway through the first half when Joseph Starbuck’s long throw sparked panic in the Chester box. Michael Clunan saw his powerful effort crash against the post, but Whitehall was on hand to sweep home the rebound.
Chester responded strongly after the break and were awarded a penalty just after the hour mark when Will Evans handled in the area. Connor Woods stepped up and calmly slotted home to level the tie and set up a nervy finale.
Whitehall came inches away from restoring the lead when his free-kick struck the post, and Ubaezuonu missed the follow-up. Chester nearly punished the miss in extra time when Tom Leak’s close-range header was expertly saved by Ross Fitzsimons.
That moment proved pivotal. Just minutes later, substitute Mo Fadera flicked on a hopeful long ball and Ubaezuonu reacted quickest, firing past James Storer at the second attempt to send Glanford Park into raptures.
Butler’s Belief Rewarded On Emotional Day
It’s a moment of redemption for Scunthorpe, whose decline from the Championship to non-league football over the past decade nearly saw the club disappear entirely. Having fallen out of the EFL in 2022 and then relegated from the National League a year later, Sunday’s victory marks their first promotion since finishing runners-up in League Two in 2014.
Boss Andy Butler, who played for the club during better days, paid tribute to owner Michelle Harness after the match.
“It’s brilliant. I’m excited for Michelle… for everyone who has brought the club back to life. For the players, the fans, the town. It was a tough, tough game… We had to dig deep. I’m so chuffed for the whole town.”
Scunthorpe supporters flooded the pitch at full time, scenes of joy replacing the despair of just 12 months ago when the Iron lost a play-off penalty shootout to Boston United.
Writer’s View
This was more than a win — it was a resurrection. Scunthorpe United have endured a brutal few years, but this promotion shows there is life yet in one of English football’s fallen clubs. With a passionate fanbase, a stabilised ownership, and a manager who bleeds claret and blue, the Iron now have a platform to rebuild.
The next step is consolidating their National League status — but for now, they can enjoy a richly deserved moment of celebration.
