The visitor's Torpey posted the first shot on target when he connected with Dawson's long cross on three minutes but his header was easily held by Clarke.

Clarke then completed another comfortable catch seconds later, diving low to his left to hold Dawson's tame free kick.

Scunthorpe, cheered on by a small but vocal band of followers, continued to threaten and Quailey blazed another effort well over the bar on five minutes.

Harriers earned a free kick 20 yards from goal on eight minutes when Bird was obstructed and Stamps' set piece was scrambled clear for the first corner of the game.

Doyle's high flag kick was headed into the advertising hoardings by the busy Bird at the far post.

Jan Molby's side were now enjoying more of the play and they came close again on 16 minutes, Hadley did well to feed Bird down the right wing and the striker-cum-midfielder whipped in a fine cross which Webb glanced across the face of goal and wide.