Rochdale 1 - 2 Scunthorpe

Former scunny favourite Lee Hodges was at the centre of a midfield riot which saw Matt Sparrow sent for an early bath after kicking out at the poison dwarf.

The first half at Spotland was a dour affair in truth but it was United who were on top as the half time whistle was blown.

When United returned for the second half they were clearly confident and whatever Brian Laws had said at the break, it worked. The Iron stepped up a gear and got the goal they deserved in the 49th minute.

Sparrow burst down the right and when his shot was spilt by Dale keeper Matthew Gilks, CARRUTHERS was on hand to coolly tap the ball in for his sixth goal of the season.

Six minutes later, Hodges and Sparrow contested a 50/50 ball, which Rochdale's players saw as a bad challenge on the part of Sparrow cueing a mass brawl in the middle of the field.

The card happy ref banished Sparrow to the changing rooms.

Dale boss Paul Simpson subbed Hodges off in exchange for himself in the 67th minute much to the delight of United's travelling support.

In the 72nd minute United doubled their lead. Peter Beagrie set off on a trademark exhibition of tricks to put a great cross into the Dale six yard box. Dale defender Richard Jobson flicked the ball backwards where it fell straight onto Carruthers head at the back post. Completely unmarked CARRUTHERS headed brilliantly into the top corner leaving Gilks with no chance.

You'd be forgiven for assuming the home side were dead and buried but then this is the Iron we're talking about, they dont like to end a game on a quiet note.

Rochdale rallied in the last ten minutes and began to show abit of spirit.

Player-manager Paul Simpson pulled one back with an unstoppable long-range shot four minutes from time.

With four minutes to play, plus another four in stoppage time United had to hang on to prevent the home side completing an undeserved repair job.

The chances were there but thankfully from an iron point of view the takers were not, despite Dale youngsters Paddy McCourt and Kevin Townson both making brave efforts to rescue a point.

United's defence held out to achieve the Iron's third successive win on the road. Not that winning away is something the Iron are accustomed to, if you need any evidence, there's only one stat you need know. This is the first time United have won three sucessive away games since March 1997!

Iron-Bru man of the match: Nathan Stanton