FOOTBALL can be a cruel game.Two wicked deflections gave Scunthorpe both their goals and a plum home tie against FA Cup minnows Worcester City, who upset big boys Coventry City.

Scunthorpe's first goal came after a bad defensive mistake but the second one came against the run of play as Rovers tried to get back into the game. No way were our League One opponents going to surrender a two goal lead and hard as the home team tried a more streetwise Iron claimed victory.

There were plenty of plus points in Rovers' display. Dale Bennett is making the right back position his own. His pace in both defence and attack is a huge asset. Marcus Kelly is using his football wisdom to good effect and looks settled at left back and Eddie Oshodi is keeping Luke Oliver out of the side. That said it must be remembered five goals have been conceded in the last two games, both of which were at home.

In midfield Sinclair and Wedgebury played like the warriors we know them to be and James Norwood was always a threat, but had left his shooting boots at home. Elliott Frear was disappointing. He saw a lot of the ball, but his use of it was poor. He had some good shooting opportunities but looked short of confidence. He is a good footballer and his day will come again. It certainly was not Sunday.

In attack Jon Parkin had an off day. His movement was ponderous and his timing was all awry. He was properly booked and it was no surprise when he was replaced by Lee Hughes. There was no real improvement as Lee looked understandably rusty.

At the end of ninety minutes I felt sorry for the players. They had at times more than matched Scunthorpe in open play.

Ady will assess bumps and bruises but should be able to pick a team capable of seeing off Eastleigh at home tonight and at Torquay on Saturday. Perhaps we may see Kelly pushing forward at the expense of Frear and Stokes returning. Guthrie should remain in attack as he is getting better every game and I would start with Lee Hughes. Christian Jolley would not feature as he has yet to show the vitality he had two years ago.

This shows something we must all be wary of. The names of several strikers are being bandied about as the answer to our forward problems but before settling on a name we have to be sure how good they are now! Matt Tubbs and Christian Jolley were good enough but has time caught up with them? We should all look hard at Stuart Fleetwood when he is here with Eastleigh. Under the guidance of Jim Harvey he was speedy and dangerous. Is he now?

We do need our front line freshening up or that familiar phrase "lack of cutting edge" will have to be used again. I am holding back at the moment and of course there is nothing wrong with the team that six points from the next two games will not put right. It is possible, isn't it?

Full marks to the crowd. The EESI stand vocals were loud and showed commendable loyalty. A considerable number stayed to applaud the players at the end. Well done! I hope it was appreciated.

Perhaps the greatest excitement happened before kick-off. Local BBC man Bob Hunt was ordered from the ground by a steward and FGR media man Richard Joyce very nearly followed over a seating arrangement issue. However, common sense prevailed and Bob returned to the press box.The club offer a much more friendly welcome to the media these days, but please more press programmes. The locals can put up with it but it raises eyebrows with the visiting press pack.

Finally, a mention of the Supporters Club Quiz (Friday, November 28). There is a healthy cash prize and with a ploughman's supper on offer as well I am asking Mrs Light to look hard at her diary.