Scunthorpe United

Former Scunthorpe United defender Shelton Martis struck with just three minutes to go, as Doncaster Rovers snatched a 4-3 victory over their local rivals in the Championship.

The Iron led once and twice came from behind, but, as it has done all season, their defensive frailties came back to haunt them at the Keepmoat Stadium.

They were sent an early warning as James Coppinger struck the post with a curling effort, but Scunthorpe responded. It was then winger Martyn Woolford's turn to be denied by the framework.

Martis was denied by a terrific save from Joe Murphy. Moments later, the Iron went ahead when Paul Hayes played in Gary Hooper to score his 19th goal of the campaign.

The lead was short-lived.

David Mirfin's error allowed Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to lob Murphy for the equaliser.

Murphy had to be alert to prevent Emmanuel-Thomas from notching his second, but Rovers did finally get ahead before half-time when Jordan Mutch slotted home.

Martis' slip allowed Hayes to fire Scunthorpe level after the restart, but it did not take long for Doncaster to restore their lead. James Hayter netted with a shot that went in off the inside of the post.

Garry Thompson dragged a glorious chance wide, and ex-Rover Jonathan Forte rattled the underside of the bar as the Iron pressed for an equaliser. It came eventually, when Hooper stabbed in after a goalmouth scramble.

But Rovers were not done.

Paul Heffernan brought a fingertip-save out of Murphy. On the resulting corner Martis, who had a loan spell with Scunthorpe two years ago, headed home to steal the points for Doncaster.

Scunthorpe United will be playing Championship football next season after an incredible fightback to draw 2-2 at home to Reading.

The Iron, odds-on favourites to be relegated at the start of the season, needed just one point to ensure survival. They got it in dramatic fashion as two goals in the last 10 minutes hauled them level after the Royals went two up in the second half.

Scunthorpe looked nervous throughout but had their chances; Martyn Woolford volleying against the woodwork in a goalless first half.

Grant McCann rattled the bar moments after the restart with a trademark free-kick and the Iron then suddenly found themselves behind when Alex Pearce's header, which appeared to be going wide, was diverted into his own net by young defender Niall Canavan on 48 minutes.

The Iron could have hit back immediately when Paul Hayes flicked on for Gary Hooper, but the striker, who bagged a hat-trick on Saturday, somehow blazed wide after rounding Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici.

Scunthorpe goalkeeper Joe Murphy tipped over a dipping Gylfi Sigurdsson effort to prevent the visitors from doubling their advantage, but the Icelandic midfielder did find the net in the 72nd minute from the penalty spot after Cliff Byrne brought down Jobi McAnuff. Byrne escaped with a yellow card.

Woolford and Matt Sparrow then tested Federici as it looked as though it would not be the Iron's night.

However, with nine minutes remaining, Hooper gave them a glimmer of hope when he reacted quickest after Federici could not hold on to a Garry Thompson effort.

And a remarkable comeback was completed a minute from time when substitute Jonathan Forte headed down for Sparrow and the midfielder, who netted two goals in last season's playoff final to earn Scunthorpe a place in the Championship, was fortunate enough to see his effort deflected into the net.

The final whistle was greeted with a pitch invasion as ecstatic Iron supporters celebrated arguably the greatest achievement in the club's history.

Despite having the smallest ground, the smallest attendances, the smallest budget, and the smallest squad, Scunthorpe United are staying in the Championship.