Gary Hooper struck twice to help Scunthorpe claim a 4-0 victory over 10-man Alfreton in the FA Cup.
Hooper helps Scunthorpe ease into round three
Gary Hooper struck twice to help Scunthorpe book their place in the third round of the FA Cup with an emphatic 4-0 victory over 10-man Alfreton Town.
The Iron had lost their previous two league matches and the Blue Square North outfit proved difficult to break down in the early stages as Scunthorpe lost striker Paul Hayes with a suspected fractured cheekbone.
It was his replacement, substitute Ben May, who headed the home side in front from close range on the half-hour mark when Alfreton goalkeeper Tommy Evans had failed to hold a shot from Grant McCann.
Scunthorpe's task was made somewhat easier three minutes after the break when Alfreton's Paul Clayton was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Sarginson for an off-the-ball incident.
Nigel Adkins' side continued to dominate possession and chances, but had to wait until the 62nd minute for Hooper to net with a fine finish into the top-left corner.
Hooper struck again in the 84th minute from an acute angle with a low shot before midfielder Sam Togwell completed the scoring in stoppage time with a strike from the edge of the penalty area.
