Bottesford Town 1-2 Scunthorpe United
Report from Birch Park

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Scunthorpe ran out 2-1 victors in their first friendly of pre-season at Bottesford Town on Saturday.

Jonathan Forte scored twice in the opening half as 21 United players got a run-out at Birch Park.

The hosts pulled a goal back late on, but the Iron could have won by a much greater margin as they got some match fitness.

Josh Lillis started between the sticks for the first game of pre-season, with Cliff Byrne, David Mirfin, Niall Canavan and Rory Coleman forming the defence.

The midfield consisted of Kevan Hurst, Michael O'Connor, Grant McCann and Martyn Woolford. while Paul Hayes partnered Jonathan Forte up front.

And the visitors raced into an early lead as Coleman's cross was met by Forte, who fired home the loose ball.

Hayes could have doubled the advantage on five minutes but he glanced wide Hurst's cross.

The forward, who notched 20 goals last season, had another chance before the ten minute mark but his header after McCann's corner was well saved by the Bottesford 'stopper.

He then drew another save from the goalkeeper when Forte sent him through before firing his shot straight at him.

With an attendance of around 300 present, the pressure continued as Woolford curled a sensational strike over the crossbar.

Hayes then volleyed wide as they looked for their range in front of goal.

Coleman then struck the woodwork after getting into space on the left-hand side of the penalty area.

They added their second just before the half-time break, as Forte was sent through and poked past the advancing 'keeper.

There were 10 alterations at the break, as Sam Slocombe - formerly of Bottesford - replaced Lillis in goal.

Andrew Wright, Jake Picton, Canavan (the only player who stayed on) and Rory Coleman formed the defence, while the midfield consisted of Garry Thompson, Josh Wright, Matt Sparrow and Peter Winn.

Ben May and Matt Godden led the attack as the away team looked to boost their lead.

The hosts offered more in the second period, and Slocombe was called into action a couple of times to block their attacks.

Andrew Wright had the first real chance after the break, after he burst through and his stinging shot was tipped over the crossbar by the goalkeeper.

Peter Winn had a shot deflected into the goalkeeper's arms, and then had a strike beaten away by the goalkeeper.

The home side came close again when Slocombe saved well at his near post, before Picton's header drew a decent stop from the home goalkeeper.

Bottesford pulled a goal back with just over five minutes left when one of their players drove forward and struck in a low drive beyond Slocombe.

May came close to doubling the Iron's lead in the closing stages but they managed to hold on for their first win of pre-season.

They play their second game of the warm-up period at Winterton Rangers on Tuesday night (7.00pm kick-off).