United triumphed on the road in Peterborough as Cal Roberts’ early goal separated the two sides to secure a crucial three points on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon.
The Iron were back in action for the first time since their 2-0 defeat at Brackley two weeks prior. Given the two previous fixtures against Tamworth and Darlington being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, United found themselves going into the tie with Peterborough Sports chasing league leaders Tamworth.
For the encounter with his former club, first team manager Jimmy Dean made three alterations to the side that were defeated at Brackley by firstly inducting recalled midfielder Tom Pugh into the starting XI to replace Alfie Beestin. This was to be Pugh’s first game back since returning from his three-month loan spell at Hereford. Elsewhere, technically gifted winger Cameron Wilson was provided with his long-awaited chance as he was swapped for the injured Jason Law. Lastly Iron vice-captain Andrew Boyce dropped to the bench for the Irish enforcer Maxim Kouogun.
Pugh got the game underway for the Iron, with Scunthorpe looking to bounce back from their previous game with a dominant performance over the turbines that was anticipated from the off.
The opening exchanges were filled with possession changeovers as the seemingly bobbly PIMS Park turf was proving troublesome for both sides. The surface was obviously more suited to the Turbines, as they fashioned the first opportunity out of nothing. A bouncing ball fell kindly to Sports fan favourite Jordan Nicholson and the winger received the ball on the turn and stung a dangerous effort goalward that crept just wide of the mark to the relief of Ross Fitzsimons.
After a scrappy opening 15 minutes, United applied increased pressure onto the Turbines defensive line, and within a matter of moments it was broken through some superb solo play. Cal Roberts is renown for his ability to beat his marker in a one-on-one situation and this occasion was no different as he strode inside his marker before sending a low struck effort that was destined for the net as soon as it left his boot, with that the target bulged giving the Iron a much-needed opener.
Sports were by no means out of tie following the opener, and with that channelled their energy into the hunt for the equaliser. An early substitution in the game had seen the introduction of former Braintree town forward Ben Fowkes and within minutes the substitute looked to create an opportunity as he weaved his way into the area and intended to place an effort into the far corner, however the effort was tame and was comfortably caught by Fitzsimons.
As half-time drew closer, Iron striker Danny Elliott was the next to try his look with a low-driven effort from off the right-flank as he was marginally denied his seventh league goal of the season via an excellent diving save from experienced shot stopper Peter Crook, in what would be the last action of the period.
With the sides back out for the second half, United were looking to maintain their lead for the remainder as Sports were still within touching distance with the temperature dropping by the minute in Peterborough.
The first opportunity of the half fell to the hosts, as they were enjoying playing their quick tempo football and testing Scunthorpe’s defensive capabilities with a number of in swung crosses. The Iron had weathered the storm up until the 50th minute when a sweeping cross from an impossible angle turned into a messy affair, as striker Kaine Felix went flying across goal and impairing the vision of Fitzsimons, stunned and under pressure the shot stopper managed to flick the ball onto the post and knock it clear.
In the immediate action that followed the Turbines' best chance, United went exceedingly close to doubling their lead as a deep whipped free-kick was well challenged within the area, and as the ball got seemingly lost in the crowd of bodies that surrounded the goal, it reappeared scrambling towards the goal only for the divine intervention of Sports player-manager Michael Gash who smashed the ball away for a throw in.
As time progressed, Scunthorpe were gradually taking control over proceedings but remained to be wasteful with their chances. With ten minutes to play, and plenty of chances still up for grabs, the tie had set itself up for a nervy finish under the lights.
With the encounter ticking over into additional time, United had a further chance to abolish hopes of a Peterborough equaliser as the ball fortunately landed under the welcoming control of Kian Scales who ferociously struck an effort towards Crook that he confidently flicked behind to save his side.
That chance was to be the games last notable opportunity as referee Neil Pratt sounded his whistle to summon the end of play and a fantastic compact display and victory for the Iron.
IRON: Fitzsimons, Ogle, Kouogun, Evans, Clunan, Elliott (Boyce, 88), Roberts (Beestin, 34), Wilson, Pugh (Butterfield, 66), Scales, Denton.
IRON SUBS: Kelly, Shrimpton.