Iron boss Nigel Adkins hailed the character of his players as they moved back to the top of League One by securing an excellent 2-1 away win at Bristol Rovers on Friday night.

Goals from Grant McCann and Izzy Iriekpen, with a Ricky Lambert equaliser inbetween, helped United get back to winning ways in the league as they enter a vital stage of the season.

With late pressure from the hosts, Scunthorpe had to dig deep towards the end to hang on for the points - but they did so and, as a result, are now two points clear of second-placed Leicester City, who they face at Glanford Park next Saturday.

"I am so proud of my players," said Adkins.

"They showed great character, and the team was immense. They put their bodies on the line at certain stages and we've learnt from past mistakes. It's about learning and the players have developed ever so well.

"Our game management was top drawer. There were stages where we had to nullify the opportunities that Bristol Rovers had, and put balls in areas that they would never score from.

"They worked so hard for each other. This is a tough place for teams to come to - we know we can play fantastic football, but today we showed a different side to our play.

"We're coming into the winter months, we're away from home and we kept a solid shape. We're learning how to win games of football."