Scunthorpe United have missed the chance to go top of League Two this evening, after losing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Southend United.

The hosts scored at either end of a comfortable first half before two quick goals after the break earned Southend a point.

Matthew Sparrow gave Scunthorpe the best possible start, finding space in the box and smashing the ball past the goalkeeper with just three minutes gone.

The hosts were pretty comfortable thereafter and just as Southend were starting to get back into the game, Scunthorpe doubled their lead thanks to Sam Winnall, who read Gary McSheffrey's cross well and tapped in from close range.

After an even start to the second half, Southend managed to get themselves back on level terms with a quick-fire double.

First, John Egan's 35-yard effort flew into the roof of the net, before John White's angled drive found the top corner from slightly closer.

It was Southend who looked like getting a winner after that, with Ben Coker and Connor Clifford both seeing efforts go narrowly wide.

Anthony Straker then missed the target with a long-range effort in the final minutes for Scunthorpe, who remain a point behind league leaders Chesterfield.