Scunthorpe United 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Report from Glanford Park

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United recorded a vital 2-0 victory over fellow Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at Glanford Park on Wednesday night.

Gary Hooper gave the Iron a perfect start as he struck after being played through by Paul Hayes in the second minute.

Although the Iron had edged the first half, in which there were few chances, Wednesday were on top in the second period but the Owls were made to pay for not making the most of their possession as Grant McCann struck his first goal since October late on.

The result saw the North Lincolnshire side pass the Owls in the league table and move up to 18th, six points away from the relegation zone and four points from the top half of the table.

Heading into the game, Scunthorpe made no changes from the side beaten 4-2 in a thrilling FA Cup fourth round encounter against Manchester City on Sunday.

Joe Murphy lined up in goal for the Iron, with the defence consisting of Cliff Byrne, David Mirfin, Rob Jones and Marcus Williams.

Garry Thompson, Sam Togwell, McCann and Martyn Woolford formed the midfield, while Hayes partnered Hooper in attack.

New loan signings Donal McDermott and Brendan Moloney were on the substitutes' bench, joining Josh Lillis, Matt Sparrow, Jonathan Forte, Josh Wright and Ian Morris.

It was a cold and breezy night at Glanford Park, but leading goalscorer Gary Hooper ensured his side got off to a great start by scoring the opener on two minutes.

The frontman was played in by his strike partner Paul Hayes with a lovely pass and he struck the ball past the onrushing Lee Grant to put his side a goal to the good.

After the goal it went quiet as both sides tried to feel their way into the game - Scunthorpe looked on control in the opening stages, and Hayes struck a shot from a tight angle which was too weak and well-handled by Grant.

Murphy was drawn into a wonderful save from Michael Gray on 13 minutes as he ghosted into the area and sent an effort towards goal, but despite the Irishman saving well there was an offside flag.

As the half progressed, chances were few and far between but the hosts looked comfortable. Thompson and Woolford linked up well in the 32nd minute but the final touch let the latter down.

McCann's stinging shot soon after drew a save from Grant, who tipped over the crossbar, as the Iron looked to add to their lead. Much of the game was being played out in midfield, with Scunthorpe edging it despite late pressure from the Owls.

It was the visitors who started the second half best, and they had a lot of possession around the Iron's 18 yard box but couldn't really muster much.

The Owls were on top for a lot of the half, but the Iron were always a danger on the counter-attack, as Hayes just lost his footing under pressure from Darren Purse. Then Woolford angled a half-volley just off-target.

Soon after, Josh Wright came on for Woolford as the Iron strengthened their midfield defensively. Then, Jones came off to be replaced by debutant Moloney.

Luke Varney, who came on as a replacement for the Owls, almost burst through and scored soon after but Williams got back quickly and was alert to stop him doing so.

Shortly after, Varney cut the ball across goal for Tudgay, but the ex-Derby frontman sent the ball wide of goal. Always someone to depend upon, Mirfin was forced into some crucial tackles as the visiting team maintained their pressure.

There were some real heart in mouth moments for the Iron but they managed to make the game safe with 15 minutes left as Thompson placed the ball across goal and McCann showed superb technical ability to fire the ball past Grant from inside the area.

Hooper was replaced by Forte shortly after and the Owls carried on attacking as they tried to force a way back into the game, but Scunthorpe held firm and managed to record three vital Championship points.

Wednesday had been dominant in terms of pressure in the second half but United were more clinical.

Scunthorpe are next in action on Saturday when they visit Queens Park Rangers.

Attendance: 7,038 (2,211 away).