The Blades came into this game having not won a league fixture since late December when a Ched Evans goal was enough to beat Swansea City 1-0; and under new manager Nicky Adams they are awaiting their first victory since his appointment.
United lost at Crystal Palace (1-0) last Saturday and ahead of their trip to Glanford Park, Daniel Bogdanovic and Lee Williamson were replaced by Johnny Ertl and Ched Evans – Evans scored in this corresponding fixture last season in a 3-1 defeat.
The visitors started off the brightest, though almost went behind when Joe Garner nipped through two defenders to head unmarked over the bar.
Moments later the Blades went up the field and a drive from Ched Evans found the net to take the lead and immediately it was two – Richard Cresswell finishing what was described as a ‘bizarre’ goal.
On the fifteen minute mark Lillis was forced into a brilliant save when Riise stormed down the right hand side to set up goal scorer Cresswell who fired at goal with the Scunny shot stopper equal to it.
The game then turned scrappy as the ball got bogged down in midfield, but on-loan Fulham winger Bjorn Helge Riise came very close to making it three when he dug out a shot – his effort crashing against the bar and out to safety.
Scunthorpe were given a lifeline in the first half when Garner was brought down in the box by centre-half Neill Collins – on his 100th career start, Garner stepped up against Simonsen and fired home to score before half-time.
Ched Evans and Michael Doyle both had opportunities at goal as the Blades looked to extend their slender lead but Lillis comfortably saved.
Just before the half-time whistle blew the Iron levelled; Joe Garner turning home at the far post following a deep free-kick. Half-Time: 2-2.
Shortly after the break the home side took the lead when a free-kick into the box wasn’t defended and Lee Miller (53) finished – United throwing away an initial two goal lead.
Micky Adams made changes and introduced Daniel Bogdanovic to the field; replacing Johnny Ertl. The Blades then came very close to scoring when Evans was found wanting at the far post, his effort was saved and almost trickled over the line but was cleared before Bogdanovic could pounce.
United made two more changes with Nyron Nosworthy and Richard Cresswell being replaced by Mark Yeates and Marcus Bent whilst the home side brought on in place Michael Collins of Andy Hughes.
Substitute Yeates came close when he fired wide when it looked easy to score – Abdisalam Ibrahim then came on for Sam Togwell.
In the latter stages of the game it turned disastrous; despite pounding the opposition goal United were reduced to ten men when Shane Lowry brought down his last man who was charging at goal.