Scunthorpe United 0-2 Middlesbrough
Report from Glanford Park
Coca-Cola Championship - Tuesday, August 18, 2009

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The Iron lost 2-0 to a much-fancied Middlesbrough side in their second home league game of the season at Glanford Park.

Boro's Adam Johnson was the match-winner - netting a brace. The first goal of which was superbly crafted as he volleyed past Joe Murphy after Gary O'Neil's pass.

The second goal came just after the restart as he had a second chance from the penalty spot.

Johnson missed his first spot-kick, but another was promptly awarded, which he converted.

United fought for a way back into the game, and had a few chances, but Boro held on for the win.

Jordan Spence made his debut at right-back for Scunthorpe. The on-loan right-back came into the side in place of the injured Andrew Wright.

Murphy lined up in goal, with the defence consisting of Spence, Cliff Byrme, Rob Jones and Marcus Williams.

The midfield consisted of Matt Sparrow, Michael O'Connor, Grant McCann and Martyn Woolford, while Gary Hooper partnered Paul Hayes up front.

The substitutes were Josh Lillis, Sam Togwell, Garry Thompson, Jonathan Forte, Josh Wright, Niall Canavan and Ian Morris.

Glanford Park was packed full for the game with Gareth Southgate's Premier League old boys, and there was a tremendous atmosphere as the two teams entered the pitch.

The first chance came the way of McCann two minutes in but he fired over the crossbar after a scramble.

Then Hayes latched onto a throughball, but his low effort was stopped by Danny Coyne in the Middlesbrough goal.

During the subsequent period of time, Boro had a lot of possession in the Iron half and tried to work an opening.

They came close to goal on 18 minutes but Byrne made a great defensive header to steer away Yeates' cross from the right from reaching the Boro attacker.

Five minutes later, Murphy was drawn into a superb save from Lita, who turned Jones to fire a powerful shot goalwards which the Irishman blocked out.

The Iron had half-chances of their own but it was the away side having the more clear-cut opportunities of the opening stages.

Murphy saved well again, as Yeates curled in a free-kick from the left.

And they went ahead on 28 minutes when Johnson latched on to a superb O'Neil throughball to volley past Murphy.

Soon after, O'Connor crashed a shot over the crossbar as the hosts looked for an instant response.

Marvin Emnes had the next chance when he sped into the area and struck an effort over the crossbar.

On 41 minutes there was almost a majestic Scunthorpe goal to celebrate. McCann turned his man before curling a fabulous strike from 25 yards just wide of goal.

The away team got the chance to double their lead three minutes after the restart in the second half when O'Connor felled Rhys Williams from behind.

Johnson stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick and Murphy saved terrifically to stop the England U21's effort.

There was a big scramble for the rebound and Murphy appeared to foul Johnson. Referee Michael Oliver blew for another penalty.

It was second time lucky for Johnson, who drilled hard through the middle to beat Murphy and put his team two up.

An early second-half alteration was made by United as Josh Wright replaced O'Connor.

United tried to fight their way back, and Jones had a header cleared off the line after McCann's corner found him.

Then, from the subsequent cross into the box, Hooper had a header tipped out by Coyne from point-blank range.

Had the hosts scored then, it would have made the final half hour very interesting.

On the counter-attack, the lively Emnes drew another great stop from Murphy as Boro threatened to add to their lead.

The hosts pressed hard but chances were at a premium. Jones headed wide from a Wright corner on 72 minutes.

United showed spirit going forward but Boro defended well. Woolford sliced a volley wide on 75 minutes.

Thompson came on for Sparrow on 84 minutes as the Iron tried to freshen things up.

Woolford had a decent chance, but his header from a Wright cross was well stopped by Coyne. It proved the last chance of the night.

The Iron are next in action on Saturday when they visit Sheffield Wednesday.

Attendance: 8,274 (2,211 away).

Sponsors' man of the match: Paul Hayes.

Iron Bar man of the match: Rob Jones.