Scunthorpe United 1 (Dawson 42) (Jackson Sent Off 63, Hodges missed pen 80)
Att. 10,881
Not Used - Bracey, Mann, Brown
Not Used - Garcia, Larusson
The Tigers took 3 points from the local derby with Scunthorpe to move them up to 6th place in the table, infront of 10,881 at Boothferry Park today. The game started with the end to end action it was to have throughout the 90 minutes, at breakneck speed and with good football played. But to make things even better, City opened the scoring on 28 minutes. A corner from the outstanding Andy Holt was met by a powerful Jon Whitney header which hit the back of the net off the crossbar. A great start.
But Scunthorpe equalized shortly before half-time. The 25 year old referee, who gave far too many decisions all afternoon, awarded the Iron a free-kick on the edge of the area for what was a fair challenge for a header. Andy Dawson made it count with a curling free kick which cannnoned in off Paul Musselwhite's hand, diving to his left. So half time came with the game poised at 1-1. Gary Fletcher replaced Kevin Francis on 58 minutes.
The turning point came in the 64th minute. John Eyre latched on to a pass and was past Mark Jackson, but the last man back for Scunthorpe pulled Eyre to the floor, right on the edge of the area. It was touch and go whether it was inside or out, but a free kick was given. However, being the last man, Jackson was rightfully sent from the field. Andy Holt followed by hitting an unstoppable left footed shot past the Iron wall and past Tommy Evans to put City back infront. There was however a scare moments later, as Martin Carruthers hit a superb long range shot which smacked the post with Musselwhite at full stretch, and bounced clear.
The game appeared to be heading out to a City win, but again the refereee made a decision which could have put paid to that. A cross flew across City's box and out of play, and amazingly the ref pointed to the penalty spot. No-one knew what for, and even the Scunthorpe players did not appeal for the spot kick. It was apparently for Jon Whitney holding back Steve Torpey, and the first goalscorer for the Tigers was booked for the offence. Lee Hodges, who looked dangerous throughout the game, stepped up to take the penalty, but hit it against the post. The ball bounced out to safety and the 3 points were ours at the final whistle.
A great performance, and a great win. It was very pleasing to see the players so thrilled with the win after the game. They were genuinely delighted, as were we. They have today proved themselves worthy of promotion, and deserve a lot of credit for it.
