Football: Iron mighty

BRIAN LAWS celebrated promotion despite seeing his Scunthorpe side held by lowly Shrewsbury.

Town goalkeeper Joe Hart and the Shrewsbury back-four frustrated the Iron early on.

But, as news of Yeovil's win over Lincoln filtered through, United could forget the title and concentrate on earning the point that would see them promoted as runners-up.

It sealed a massive turn-around in fortunes for the Glanford Park club - and Laws himself.

He quit the club last season - only to take the helm again just weeks later when former chairman Steve Wharton returned.

Laws led the Iron to safety from the threat of relegation from the Football League before masterminding this season's promotion with just a handful of new signings.

"The new chairman sorted things out and everybody is pulling in the same direction these days," Laws said.

"The team has played with great consistency and the spirit within the club could not be better.

"The players who have won us promotion will be here next season, with perhaps a couple of new signings.

"I am not predicting anything, but I can't see any reason why we should not do well in League One."

They should have gone ahead when Steve Torpey's flick-on set Paul Hayes racing through but, although the striker rounded Hart, Gavin Cowan was on hand to clear his shot off the line. Cleveland Taylor then fashioned a shooting chance for himself but Hart pulled off a fine save.

Andy Butler should have put the visitors ahead after the break, but he somehow sent his header over the top from six yards with the goal gaping.

Torpey had the final chance but his overhead kick was well saved by Hart five minutes from time.

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