United last won automatic promotion in the 1982/83 season, spending just one season outside the basement division.
And it was the same story in 1999, when play-off success was tempered by finishing second bottom of Division Two and returning back to the Third Division.
Three points at Glanford Park on Saturday mean that United will need just a point on the final day of the season at Shrewsbury even if the Swans win their final two games.
And promotion will be secured with a game to spare if the Welsh side fail to beat Shrewsbury on Saturday, in their final game at the Vetch Field.
It gets better still... as leaders Yeovil play second-placed Southend on Saturday, a win for Scunthorpe is guaranteed to move them up to at least second - or top if those two play out a stalemate at Roots Hall.
United will again be without teenage striker Andy Keogh, who is away with the Rep of Ireland's U-19 squad.
Reserve forward Andy Parton has been recalled from his loan spell at Conference North club Stalybridge Celtic, and will take a place on the bench.
Midfielder Richard Kell is expected to shake off a knock to his ankle, while defender Stev Angus is fit for selection again following a hamstring injury.
The Pirates will be without James Hunt, who begins a four-match ban after being sent off against Swansea last weekend.
Aaron Lescott will miss out with a hamstring injury, while boss Ian Atkins will not risk Craig Hinton even though he has returned to training following a chest injury.