AS JAMES Henry struck to confirm Millwall's victory over Preston North End on Good Friday, Michael Nelson may just have had a wry smile on his face.

With teams now being ruled in our out of various equations, the South London club maintained their interest in the play-offs with a comfortable 4-0 win two days ago.

That goal set the scene for Scunthorpe United's clash with the Lions today.

Although it was plain for all to see the obvious Scunthorpe-related benefits that result provides – North End stay below them in the table – for Nelson, there was more to it.

During today's Glanford Park encounter, the home side will take on an outfit whose dream is still within reach.

Coventry City may have had the metaphorical beach towels out on Friday, having already secured Championship safety, but the second part of an Easter double-header has United pitched against a very different opponent, in a contrasting scenario which could, bizarrely, yet play into their favour.

"They can be edgy because they are playing for something," the 31-year-old told the Telegraph.

"They are pushing to get in the play-offs, they are trying to nail it down and give themselves a chance of getting promoted.

"Teams that aren't playing for something can play with freedom and not be bothered – it is a Catch 22 situation.

"They can 'cheat' and catch you on the break.

"It is one of those things where it depends on which team turns up on the day really, who wants it more.

"There is pressure on both sides, but that's what it will come down to.

"You have just got to keep rolling on and hopefully, at the end of the season, you will have enough points to be where you want to be."

Sighing at the prospect of another 'biggest game of the season' billing, the experienced Nelson, who has amassed 381 league starts, is au fait with just what these games entail.

But not all of the squad are as well versed, with only four of the starting XI at the Ricoh Arena left from the Iron's previous successful survival bid last season.

It could be for that reason the management team of Alan Knill, Chris Brass and Neil Cutler attempt to limit the emphasis on the importance of every game, letting the media drum up interest from outside.

It is an understated approach that curries favour with Nelson, creating a sanctuary of calm on the training ground.

"The players all know how important every game is," he continued.

"The manager and coaching staff just try to prepare us for it.

"They don't want to add extra pressure by drumming into us that it is massively important.

"Obviously before the game in the changing room when people are trying to gee us up, everyone is shouting and screaming, saying how important it is that we start well etc.

"But we don't build it up during the week, the management don't bang on about it.

"They try to let us enjoy training, and put a little bit of fun into it as well as hard work.

"It has been taken from the training pitch on to the pitch on a Saturday."

Although today's opponents were beaten in the 2009 League One play-off final at Wembley, that intense, and equally thrilling, capital triumph is in stark contrast to this afternoon.

The pressing urge this time is to claim valuable points at all costs.

It may not be pretty but strong leadership, strength of character and the necessity to grind out a victory will all be crucial.

Yet for Scunthorpe skipper Nelson, leading by example carries more weight than the captain's armband he has now made his own.

"I am the same whether I am captain or not in the dressing room," concluded the centre-back.

"I will try to motivate everyone else.

"I am not saying I am the loudest, everyone has their say, even the lads who are on the bench and those who haven't made the bench.

"It is a real squad effort.

"It is not just whether I have got the armband on or not. It is everyone."

And so Nelson will lead the Iron out for the third 'biggest game of the season' in succession.

If a home win is the outcome, that wry smile of Good Friday may well become something much more positive.