Iron boss Nigel Adkins was happy with the desire and effort shown by his side in their 2-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

United had chances but ultimately fell to defeat against a Boro side who scored a classy first goal through Adam Johnson and then added their second with a controversial penalty.

In Adkins' view, referee Michael Oliver made the wrong decision to award a penalty when Rhys Williams went down after Michael O'Connor's 'fantastic tackle'.

Joe Murphy saved Johnson's subsequent penalty but brought down the player, who had latched onto the rebound. The Scunthorpe chief felt that decision was correct.

Johnson made no mistake the second time as Gareth Southgate's side brought all three points back to the North East.

"I thought our players put in a good performance for the supporters," Adkins told The Iron Player.

"A big crowd has come out and seen a side in Middlesbrough who I feel will finish in the top two.

"I stated that before the game and I haven't seen a reason why they won't on this evidence.

"I am very pleased with the effort, committment and quality of football we've put in.

"We put them under pressure from the start, and created opportunities.

"We gave them problems all night with our set-plays. They scored a sublime first goal and showed their quality.

"They shouldn't have been given their first penalty. I've looked at it on video and Michael O'Connor managed to keep up with his runner before making a fantastic tackle.

"Joe Murphy made a save but the second one was a penalty in my view because Joe rushed out and their player pushed the ball away just before Joe collided into him.

"I must give great credit to the players though because we kept taking the game to Middlesbrough."

See much more from Nigel Adkins, Joe Murphy and Grant McCann on The Iron Player.