By Mark Hodsman

On Sunday, Scunthorpe lined up against Manchester side Salford Sports, who have been improving in recent weeks and turned out better than their league position suggested.

They were desperate to get something from the game given their precarious place in the league and deserved a share of the points.

The game was played on an artificial surface and obviously gives teams that are used to it an advantage.

Scunthorpe struggled with the bounce and the opposition's tenacity for 45 minutes in a typically congested middle third of the pitch with Salford ladies winning the possession stats.

Several attacks later the home team still had nothing to show which was down to some dogged defence from Deb Hearn and the backs and another excellent brave performance from Scunthorpe's keeper.

Claire West challenges for the ball.

The away side improved in the second half with Sue Green, Sue Hunsley and later, sub Sophie Bell exploiting the right wing and Claire West getting some joy on the left.

It was a great cross from Sue Green that brought a fantastic finish from Donna Smithson after 15 minutes of the second half.

While Scunthorpe looked brighter Salford never gave up and close to the final whistle the Scunthorpe No.7 gave away a free kick just outside the box that was bundled in after what looked a blatant foul on Goalie Becky Evans.

Captain Deb Hearn was tireless again and won MotM.

Player/manager Mandy Cook wins a tackle.

You can get prints from the Ironesses' matches by emailing Mark Hodsman at: markh1301@fastmail.co.uk.