Scunthorpe United are looking to push ahead with their plans to gain automatic promotion from League Two this season as they beat Oxford United 1-0 this afternoon, propelling them back to the summit of the league table.

The hosts took the lead after only 15 minutes when Matthew Sparrow converted from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner, having been played the ball by Terry Hawkridge.

Dave Kitson tried to hit back for the visitors as he produced a tame effort from distance, which was comfortably held by Sam Slocombe in the centre of goal.

Scunthorpe's Paddy Madden sought to increase his side's lead after 30 minutes, though he saw his effort saved at the bottom corner by Ryan Clarke.

The hosts came out into the second half in dominant fashion, but were unable to futher the lead as David Syers was denied by Clarke.

The Oxford keeper was in good form as he looked to setup a close finish, having denied Hawkridge with another good stood with just under 15 minutes remaining.

However, Scunthorpe continued to dominate the closing stages and comfortably saw out the 1-0 victory, which now places them back at the top of the League Two table.