The Iron stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches at the weekend, with a 1-1 draw at play-off chasing Bradford City.
Rory McArdle had opened the scoring for the hosts, but Hakeeb Adelakun rescued a point for Scunthorpe deep into injury time to extend his side’s undefeated streak.The youngster came off the bench with under 10 minutes to go and netted his second goal of the season, rewarding United’s impressive display in West Yorkshire.
Elsewhere in Sky Bet League One, MK Dons were the big winners after a 7-0 win over Lee Johnson’s Oldham Athletic.
Will Grigg got a brace for Karl Robinson’s Dons who only led 2-0 at half-time, but five second half goals powered them to their highest ever victory.
Bristol City remain top of the tree going into Christmas, however they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Crewe and played for most of the second half with 10 men following Derrick Williams’ dismissal.
Jamie Ness scored the only goal for Crewe who bounced back from defeat at Glanford Park last time out, but remain bottom of the league.
Preston closed the gap between themselves and the top of League One with a 1-0 win at Peterborough. Jermaine Beckford netted the only goal on the stroke of half-time.
They were also helped by Swindon Town slipping to a 1-0 defeat at home to Doncaster, with Theo Robinson’s penalty enough to win the points for the visitors.
There was a key battle down at the bottom of the table as Yeovil hosted Colchester, but Craig Eastmond’s goal secured a 1-0 win for the Essex club.
Both sides remain in the bottom four and are joined by Leyton Orient, who are now three games without a win after a 2-0 defeat at Barnsley.
The hosts had to play the final 15 minutes with 10 men following ‘keeper Ross Turnbull’s dismissal, but the damage had already been done.
There was a five goal thriller between Gillingham and Chesterfield, which the visitors managed to edge 3-2, leaving the hosts hovering above the relegation zone.
Crawley are also just above the bottom four following a 2-1 defeat at home to Port Vale, while Coventry and Fleetwood drew 1-1.
Sheffield United also drew 1-1 at home to Walsall, plus there was a 2-2 draw between Rochdale and Notts County.
Next up for the Iron is the visit of Rochdale on Boxing Day as Mark Robins’ side look to carry their unbeaten run into the festive period.