Superb result for Peterborough Sports at Scunthorpe United as Crook heroics pinch a point

It’s now four points from two games for the city side who are level on points with their illustrious hosts, a club managed by Sports’ multi-trophy winning legend Jimmy Dean.

And it was a draw earned on the back of defensive excellence especially from goalkeeper Crook.

As you’d expect an expensively-assembled home side saw a lot of the ball, but Sports were unlucky to see an early ‘goal’ ruled out for offside after a snapshot from Mark Jones smacked into the underside of the crossbar before Josh McCammon converted the rebound, albeit from a position that caught the attention on assistant referee.

Crook then delivered his 12th-minute heroics.

A foul in the penalty area gave Danny Whitehall the chance to open the scoring from the spot, but Crook saved well and watched gleefully as the rebound was smacked over his crossbar.

Alfie Beestin clipped the outside of a post with Crook beaten and also tested the visiting ‘keeper from distance.

Sports also threatened though. Dan Jarvis broke into the box, after a great ball from Fowkes, but his effort was well blocked by Scunthorpe defender Will Evans who was then able to clear the danger.

And just before the half-time interval, Jordan Nicholson was fed through by Fowkes, cut in onto his left foot and saw his curling effort fizz just shy of the far post.

Scunthorpe’s came out firing on all cylinders for the second-half and some strong pressure was rewarded five minutes in when Jacob Butterfield beat Crook with a curling shot.

Crook made another fine stop within minutes after Cameron Wilson broke clear into the penalty area and the number one also got down well to keep out a shot from Kian Scales.

And Sports weathered the storm before hitting Scunthorpe with an 80th minute equaliser as half-time substitute Michael Gash nodded a Matt Tootle cross back across goal for summer signing Fowkes to convert at the back post. Gash had come on at half-time after Jones suffered a hamstring injury.

Scunthorpe bossed the final 10 minutes, and the six added minutes that followed, but Crook and co stood firm in front of a crowd in excess of 3,000.

Scunthorpe: Fitzsimons, Ogle, Kouogun, Evans, Clunan, Beestin, Wilson (Law, 78’), Butterfield (Shrimpton, 64’), Scales, Denton, Whitehall (Elliott, 64’).

Subs not used: Kelly, Boyce.

Sports: Crook, Cann, Johnson, Fox, Alban-Jones, Lawler, Jarvis, McCammon (Miles, 90+3’), Nicholson (Tootle, 74’), Jones (Gash, 45’), Fowkes.

Subs not used: McGlinchey, Elsom.

Attendance: 3,380 (52 Sports).