CamdenIron presents supporters with his latest weblog:

The festive period is upon us and the best thing Santa could bring Scunny supporters is at least 10 points from the next five games.

Frankly that would be the least the team deserve from recent performances, where lady luck seems to have deserted us. Two very good penalty appeals turned down in the home games against Blackpool and QPR, a harsh sending off for Kelly Youga in the former game and generally, refereeing decisions, at Glanford Park at least, seeming to favour the away side.

Now this wasn't intended to be a bitter fuelled rant, but with the news this week that Scunthorpe will have to pay an extortionate fee for Martin Patterson, it just seems like in this second quarter of the season, we're not getting a fair crack of the whip in this division.

The question has to be asked: Would the tribunal panel have settled on the same figures if the hearing had gone ahead earlier in the season as originally scheduled? Yes Patto has scored 8 goals in 17 starts, become a first team regular and earned 2 caps for the Northern Ireland first team, but none of this should have been in the panel's considerations. The impression is that whatever the reason for the constant delay, it was always going to be detrimental to Scunny. Although Stoke say they are also disappointed with the outcome, secretly they must be delighted - nearly half a million for an unproven player at championship level is a complete robbery.

Still, there's no reason yet to be downbeat or pessimistic. We are entering a new quarter of the season and as such a fresh start of sorts, especially as the transfer window gives us the chance to bring in reinforcements.As J.R. Tolkien said, despair is only for those who truly know without question, that all hope is lost.

On another topic, the Iron travel to Portman Road for the first time in many a season tomorrow renewing old rivalries in the form of the Humber-Orwell Trophy.

Following the afternoon's warm-up event, the respective London Supporters' Clubs will be taking to the oche in a local pub for the day's biggest sporting clash as the two darts teams meet in their annual friendly fixture.

The Ipswich and Scunthorpe London Supporters' Clubs both play in the APFSCIL (Association of Provincial Football Supporters' Clubs in London) Darts League and prior to the start of one new season in the early nineties, the two captains arranged a friendly for pre-season practice purposes.

This proved such a success that the Humber-Orwell Trophy was born, taking its name, speedway-style, from the two rivers with which the towns are linked.

The Ipswich boys have held the upper hand in recent years and are the current holders after a thrilling 12-11 win on aggregate last time out… though the Iron will be aiming to put that right in The Milestone on Woodbridge Road tomorrow evening!

Anybody wanting to come along and support the SULSESC darts team tomorrow are more than welcome.

(Thanks to Prof. Andy Skeels for the history lesson)

CamdenIron