|
But a high-flying Blackpool side were not about to go down lightly and, with the final automatic promotion place still up for grabs, the Seasiders were not fazed by the Iron, who ended the day as champions by virtue of Bristol City's defeat at Millwall.
Both teams opened aggressively with early efforts worrying both goalkeepers, but it was Blackpool who broke the deadlock as the midfield combined well in the area before Wes Hoolahan's back-heel pass teed up the ball for Claus Jorgensen to rocket home after just eight minutes.
In-form Blackpool continued to push forwards and just 26 minutes had passed when Keigan Parker beat a deep offside trap before rounding the keeper and slotting home from the narrowing angle.
Scunthorpe looked all but beaten and were hanging on in the game until Chris Brandon appeared to lash out at Jermaine Beckford just before the half-time break.
Referee Mr Moss decided the challenge was worthy of a somewhat harsh red card.
Two minutes later Scunthorpe finally edged their way into the match as prolific scorer Billy Sharp smashed home a close-range volley from Kevan Hurst's cross to break a 35-year club record.
After the break, ten-man Blackpool continued to dominate the play and a good spell of pressure left Cliff Byrne at the back post clearing for a corner before Shaun Barker headed home the ball to further the lead for Simon Grayson's men.
From then on in Scunthorpe looked a beaten side and were pushed back regularly by promotion hungry Blackpool.