Iron scrape into final

Rovers undone by late Hayes strike

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 16th December 2008

Iron scrape into final

Hayes: Masked hero

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Scunthorpe United booked their place in the Northern Area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers.

Three minutes of stoppage-time had passed as Tuesday's all-League One semi-final looked destined for a penalty shootout until Rovers defender John Johnson deflected a free-kick from Paul Hayes into his own net.

Scunthorpe capped a bright first half by taking the lead when striker Ben May sent a superb header flashing past goalkeeper Danny Coyne from an Ian Morris free-kick in the 26th minute.

The home side were a whisker away from doubling their tally when winger Martyn Woolford struck the foot of a post with a fierce drive.

Scramble

Tranmere had almost snatched an early lead when Chris Greenacre, back in the side after injury, had a shot scrambled off the line by Scunthorpe skipper Cliff Byrne.

The visitors surged forward at the start of the second half in search of an equaliser and Rovers were rewarded in the 54th minute with a terrific finish from Ian Moore's angled drive.

With the game then in the balance, Tranmere were left to rue a squandered opportunity when Antony Kay headed wide with the goal beckoning.

Kay's miss counted double as Hayes, wearing a protective face-mask, showed no hiding in his emphatic celebration as he proved Scunthorpe's hero.