Scunthorpe returned to the League One summit courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers.
Away day joy in Bristol sends Scunthorpe top
Scunthorpe returned to the League One summit courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground.
An entertaining opening to what was an evenly contested affair saw Martin Woolford's strike, via a fine save from Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips, come back off the post, while at the other end, Stuart Campbell crashed a free-kick against the bar.
There was though a strong element of fortune about the game's opening goal, as Grant McCann's deflected free-kick beat a wrong-footed Phillips.
Rickie Lambert has not been denied too many times this season and the Football League's top marksman was at it again after the interval, as he stooped to draw Rovers level with his 16th goal of the campaign.
Scunthorpe's response to being pegged back was emphatic as Izzy Iriekpan proved the man on the spot from close range, to grab his side a 62nd minute winner.
Nigel Adkins' Iron now top the table from Leicester by two points, while Rovers remain in 13th place.