Ireland goal opens City account against plucky Scunthorpe

HT: Man City 2 Scunthorpe 1

Stephen Ireland fired Manchester City ahead after two minutes in tonight's fourth-round Carling Cup clash against Scunthorpe.

However, Scunthorpe withstood considerable pressure and scored a fine equaliser through Jonathan Forte.

Roque Santa Cruz then scored his first goal for Manchester City on his full debut at Eastlands in the Carling Cup fourth round clash with Scunthorpe.

The Paraguay forward’s header enabled City to regain the lead after Scunthorpe had produced their shock equaliser.

Nigel de Jong gave the ball away in midfield, and it was swept out to Marcus Williams, racing away on the left.

His neat ball into the six-yard box found Jonathan Forte, who finished with ease from a couple of yards.

Hayes had a great chance with a header, saved by Given, before Ireland sent in Wright-Phillips for a shot that Murphy blocked with his legs.

Hayes again had City stretched, arriving on the far post before hooking his shot wide, as Scunthorpe continued to grow in confidence.

But City were back in front after 38 minutes.

Pablo Zabaleta sped down the right, wrong-footing Hayes as he went.

And when the cross arrowed into the box, Santa Cruz stepped away from Woolford before rising to plant a header back into the far corner.