IT'S win or bust for Scunthorpe United when they travel to relegation rivals Crystal Palace tomorrow.

Selhurst Park was the scene where their relegation from the Championship was confirmed three years ago.

But new manager Alan Knill is determined it won't be the final graveyard for their hopes again this time.

A 10th successive away defeat in south London would leave the Iron nine points behind Palace with only four games remaining.

But victory would slash the gap to just three.

"Everybody knows how big this game is," confessed Knill.

"For us, we have got to go there, be positive and try to get three points – I don't know any other way.

"We have got to express ourselves and play with freedom.

"For me, it's a don't lose game.

"If we can't win, then we must make sure we do come away with something."

Scunthorpe were travelling down to London this morning to train there this afternoon in preparation for what could be the defining moment of their season.

Knill is hoping he can exploit United's tag as underdogs to get the best out of his players.

"As an underdog, you have nothing to lose," he insisted.

"Palace have a decent home record and the expectation is for them to win.

"Our away record is pretty poor so no-one fancies us to go there and win.

"Everybody has already written us off, that we are going down to League One next season.

"When you step into that sort of situation, if you go in with no fear, then you might surprise a few people."

If United do lose at Palace tomorrow it will set a new club record for successive away defeats.

The 6-0 thrashing at Norwich City a fortnight ago equalled the previous worst run of losses, which stands at nine, set in the old Fourth Division in season 1973/74.

But Knill is hoping the improved form shown in the last two home games, against QPR and Reading, will help Scunthorpe end a lean run on their travels.

"Results are everything at this stage of the season," he said.

"I thought we did well against Reading on Tuesday night – but we didn't win.

"We had the chances but lacked that cutting edge.

"It wasn't through any lack of effort, it was just that little bit that was there last Saturday against QPR.

"I want to get the ball down and play football, but it is about what you do in both boxes that really matters."