May 12, 2018 2.59 pm This story is over 69 months old

Late strike rescues draw for Scunthorpe

Late goal keeps Scunthorpe’s promotion hopes alive.

A late goal by substitute Cameron McGeehan rescued a 2-2 draw for Scunthorpe in Saturday’s first leg of their League One play-off semi-final against Rotherham at Glanford Park.

The midfielder on-loan from Barnsley had only been on the field for 13 minutes when he tapped in from close-range late on.

The result ensures the score is level ahead of the second leg at Rotherham’s New York Stadium on Wednesday, May 16.

Rotherham opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Richie Towell’s ball over the top set up Jon Taylor to slot a shot beyond Matt Gilks in the Scunthorpe goal.

The home side levelled the scores just a minute later as Duane Holmes lifted a shot over Rotherham goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

Michael Ihiekwe tried to race back to clear the ball, but he ended up slicing it in for an own goal.

Scunthorpe captain Rory McArdle saw his shot hit the crossbar soon after, while Will Vaulks and Towell wasted chances for Rotherham before the break.

Another opportunity fell the way of McArdle within seven minutes of the restart, but his header was saved by Rodak.

Scunthorpe’s substitute goalkeeper Rory Watson with the Rotherham fans behind him. Photo; Darren Warburton

Scunthorpe goalkeeper Gilks was forced off injured after 61 minutes with Rory Watson coming on in his place.

Within three minutes the 22-year-old goalkeeper was picking the ball out of his own net as Joe Newell fired home Josh Emmanuel’s cross to give Rotherham the lead.

Scunthorpe nearly levelled again soon after, but Rodak produced a fine double save to keep out efforts from Holmes and Ivan Toney.

With just two minutes of normal time remaining Scunthorpe rescued a draw as Rotherham failed to clear Holmes’ long throw-in and McGeehan scrambled the ball in from close range.

There was still time for some late drama in stoppage time, but Rotherham midfielder Ryan Williams saw his header comfortably saved by Watson before Scunthorpe’s Murray Wallace dragged a shot wide.

Scunthorpe fans father and daughter Andy and Lindsey Brown. Photo: Lindsey Brown