Scunthorpe 0 Leeds United 2

Third division Scunthorpe had a tremendous opening 45 minutes, forcing nine corners to none from the Whites, but they fell behind from the penalty spot and as the visitors produced a more composed display in the second period they went on top grab a vital second.

Venables said later: "It was a tough game for us today, they are a good side, got the ball up early and had a good variation on set plays.

"Conditions were not ideal, but you find that when the FA Cup comes round but we were very patient and we are a bit more composed now. A good cup run would be great and hopefully we can keep going."

Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws said after the game: "We were the better side in the first half, we put Leeds under pressure but you need to score, the goal gave them lift.

"Now we need to concentrate on the league which is vitally important. I'm a proud man tonight and I hope we have won some supporters back."

Scunthorpe were the early pace makers and the game was not very old when Eirik Bakke blocked a shot from Matthew Sparrow. Leeds replied immediately with Harry Kewell driving over.

Leeds missed a golden opportunity after 12 minutes, Harry Kewell crossed from the left to find the head of Mark Viduka who directed the ball wide from six yards.

The Yorkshire side began to show a little more and after Cliff Byrne broke up a move from Kewell, Tommy Evans was called into action for the first time in the 20th minute to save from Viduka.

Leeds grabbed the lead after 32 minutes, Bakke was tripped from behind by Matt Sparrow and Viduka's spot kick into the left hand corner beat Evans comprehensively.

Their class began to show in the second half and after Scunthorpe's Andy Dawson had seen a free-kick curl wide of Robinson’s left hand post, Kewell had two reasonably chances, first volleying over and then directing a header off target.

That signaled the way for Leeds and they grabbed a second in the 68th minute, when Viduka played the ball in for Bakke to put the tie beyond doubt.

Scunthorpe rallied briefly and Robinson had to show his international class to turn away a brilliant header from Carruthers.