Scunthorpe 2 Leyton Orient 1

Last updated : 11 January 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Scunthorpe United rose to third place in Nationwide Division Three after taking maximum points in a tough game against Leyton Orient.

Orient boss Paul Brush said: "We put up a good battle, but we are capable of doing better." Brush paid tribute to his veteran keeper Scott Barrett, who will turn 40 this year.

"He pulled off some top-class saves and did very well. He defies his age," but Brush paid tribute to Scunthorpe at the same time saying: "They are a good side, one of the best in the division and had more variety in their play." Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws commented: "It was a tough game, we had to knuckle down, but the result was pleasing. It will be difficult to sustain third spot, but if we get the right results it will put pressure on the other teams." Orient opened strongly and big striker Jabo Ibehre saw a shot charged down and the Iron responded with Lee Featherstone's header being turned over by Barrett.

Scunthorpe might have gone ahead after 14 minutes. Martin Carruthers did well to turn the ball back from the by-line for Steve Torpey, who was off-target from six yards.

Both sides showed a keen desire to attack but when the O's gained a free-kick 30 yards out Matt Lockwood fired over the top of the stand and at the other end Wayne Graves tried a 25-yard left-foot shot which was saved easily.

The home side found themselves stretched when Ibehre got forward but Tommy Evans was not troubled.

Scunthorpe went ahead on 27minutes, Torpey flicked the ball on for Matt Sparrow, who lifted the ball over a defender and followed up to drive home a right-foot shot.

Andy Dawson did well to block an effort from Ibehre, but Orient grabbed a 39th minute equaliser when Dean Smith dived low to head home.

The home side opened strongly in a shrouded stadium and in the second half both Sparrow and Torpey were on-target without making their efforts count.

Scunthorpe went close to increasing their lead when Torpey got in a strong header against the post, but Barrett got down to turn the ball away.

However, Scunthorpe's extra class saw them grab a second and the winner in the 67th minute when Ian Kilford drove the ball home for his first goal for the club in some style.