Second half comback from Rovers youngsters earns a draw at Scunthorpe.
Scunthorpe - 2 (Sackey 17’, Dean-Atkinson 50’)Rovers 2 - (Linley 60’, Henderson 83’)
The first chance came Scunthorpe's way on six minutes as, after some good play down the right by Jack Dyche, Hakeeb Adelakun was denied as he tried to head goalwards.
Adelakun was quite a threat to the Rovers defence, delivering a wicked ball in from the right on 10 minutes, but it was well defended in the six yard box by the visitors. Then he threatened once more, but again he was denied after being put through on goal.
on 17 minutes, the hosts took the lead. Adelakun caused the initial danger by firing in a low shot and, after a goalmouth scramble, Leslie Sackey was able to tap home.
Four minutes later, Noel Burdett was next to come close - testing the Rovers 'keeper with a long range effort.
In the 29th minute, Adelakun came close to doubling the advantage but his volleyed lob went narrowly over the crossbar.
Six minutes later, Sackey went close from a corner, sending a looping header into the arms of the visitors' 'keeper.
Iron shotstopper Joe Parker was drawn into a couple of good stops but Scunthorpe did have the better of the first half, and scored a second soon after half-time.
On 50 minutes, midfielder James Dean-Atkinson (above) scored a brilliant goal. He took aim from 25 yards, and curled the ball into the back of the net, and past a helpless Rovers goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, Adelakun fired wide after showing quick feet on the edge of the area.
Cameron Stewart almost halved the deficit for the visitors on 56 minutes. However, his free-kick was fractionally off target.
With an hour on the clock, Jordan Linley got the visitors back in the game with a close range header, after Stewart had delivered a cross.
This gave Rovers a boost and they continued to press as they searched for an equaliser.
Parker, in the Iron goal, made a superb save from Will Longbottom with around 20 minutes left.
United were still a threat though, and Dyche almost restored the two goal advantage but was foiled by a great point-blank stop.
Lloyd Henderson levelled for Rovers on 83 minutes, after finding space in the penalty area.
Dyche headed just over in the closing stages as United fought to go back ahead. The game ended level though.
TEAM LINE-UPS
Scunthorpe United: Parker, Shilling, Sithole, Dean-Atkinson, Cleminshaw, Butroid, Adelakun, Hornshaw (Train, 72), Sackey (Ablett, 83), Dyche, Burdett.
Substitutes not used: Kelsey.
Doncaster Rovers: Marosi, Mbuti, Williamson (Greasley, 45’), Fielding, Stewart (Parkin, 62), Carberry, Davies, Linley, Whitehouse, Longbottom, Wanless (Henderson, 72).
Substitutes not used: Jones.