Notts County 2 : 2 Scunthorpe United - Canavan leaves it late for Iron

Scunthorpe defender Niall Canavan pounced four minutes from time as his side held Notts County to a 2-2 draw that helps neither in their battle to escape relegation.

Substitute Balint Bajner looked to have won it for Notts, playing their first match since Shaun Derry was sacked, when he fired in from 12 yards in the 73rd minute.

But Scunthorpe skipper Canavan rescued a potentially vital point by heading an equaliser from Gary McSheffrey's free-kick with four minutes to play.

Earlier, the Iron had come flying out of the blocks and striker Theo Robinson marked his debut with a goal inside 70 seconds, nodding in from close range after veteran goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington had turned an initial header from Paddy Madden on to the crossbar.

County were level in the 10th minute when Gary Jones' 25-yard strike nestled inside the post.

Both sides had further chances to go in front before Bajner struck nine minutes after replacing Jimmy Spencer.

The Magpies celebrated like they had already secured survival, but were left frustrated when Canavan got in front of the back four to head in.