VICTORY for Scunthorpe United tomorrow in their bottom of the table clash with Preston would be a real kick in the teeth for the Lancashire club.

It is what United boss Ian Baraclough wants to hammer home ahead of a crunch clash at Glanford Park which is a six-pointer for both teams.

For the Iron, it is a chance to register their first double of the season, having won 3-2 at Deepdale back in mid-October.

But Baraclough is aware of the feel-good factor that new manager Phil Brown has brought to North End.

"He has gone in there and given the club a bit of a boost," said the United boss.

"They will come here hoping to take three points from us.

"If they do, that will put them right back in it.

"But if we manage to beat them, that gives them a mountain to climb.

"Mentally it would give them a massive kick in the teeth – that's what we need to do."

On a pitch that has suffered badly from the effects of the severe winter weather, Baraclough is expecting a physical encounter tomorrow.

"The midfield area will be a battleground," he forecast.

"We need to come out on top there and be strong at the back as we were against Burnley.

"We have also been working hard on our forward play looking to hurt them in areas that are critical in the end."