Report: Scunthorpe United 1-1 Warrington Town

Warrington Town secured their first away point of the season with a well-earned draw at league heavyweights Scunthorpe.

Joe Rodwell-Grant scored his first goal for the Yellows to equalise, 10 minutes after the visitors had fallen behind to an unfortunate own goal early in the second half.

They held on at the death thanks to an incredible save deep in to injury-time from Dan Atherton on his 100th appearance for the club, tipping Danny Whitehall’s header from point-blank range against the underside of the crossbar.

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Scunthorpe had only dropped two points and conceded one goal before today, which makes Warrington’s efforts even more impressive in the context of their recent form.

The game started with the expected pattern, Scunthorpe dominating possession and territory, but the Yellows stayed organised and started to find space on the ball as they always seem to do against better opposition.

The first half chance fell to Warrington, Matty McDonald’s left-foot shot saved at his near post by Ross Fitzsimons, before Atherton was twice called in to action, saving at either post from Kian Scales and Callum Roberts.

Alfie Beestin should have done better when he screwed a shot wide from inside the box, and shortly before the half hour mark, Atherton was quick off his line to smother a Scales shot one on one.

The Yellows had a few looks on the break, and Bohan Dixon dummied past two players before curling a shot agonisingly wide.

They had the worst possible start to the second half though, Roberts getting in to the box and his low ball across goal was bundled in by possibly Matt Grivosti to give the hosts the lead.

It didn’t deter Mark Beesley’s side, and by 55 minutes, they were level. Andy White’s wicked cross from the left was poked home by Rodwell-Grant.

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For a spell, Warrington had their tails up, McDonald fizzing a half volley just over the bar, and later on substitute Ollie Southern headed over from Woods’ corner.

The hosts inevitably had more of the chances towards the end, the excellent Evan Gumbs and Tom Hannigan doing everything to keep them at bay, and Southern clearing a shot off the line after Atherton had been left scrambling.

The decisive moment came deep in to the six added minutes, a measured ball in by Ross Barrows headed seemingly in by Whitehall, only for Atherton to somehow get enough on it to keep it out, and ensure Warrington earned a point on their third away day of the season.

Post-match reaction

Hear from manager Mark Beesley following Saturday’s draw.

Match facts

Scunthorpe: Fitzsimons, Nicholson, Kouogun (Fishburn 82), Evans, Clunan, Beestin, Whitehall, Roberts (Brogan 90), Scales (Law 61), Denton, Barrows. Unused subs: Boyce, Shrimpton.

Warrington Town: Atherton, Grivosti, Gumbs, Hannigan, White, Miles (Southern 80), McDonald, Dixon, Woods (Gill 88), Sithole (O’Neill 70), Rodwell-Grant. Unused subs: Harris, Smalley.

Goals: Grivosti OG (48) / Rodwell-Grant (55)

Yellow Cards: Roberts (76) / Grivosti (16), White (45), Gumbs (65)

Attendance: 4,432

Photo courtesy of Luke Broughton

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