Boss Alan Knill had plenty of praise for Scunthorpe United's defensive efforts after a 2-1 victory at Stevenage.

The Iron secured their second successive win at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday with goals from Eddie Nolan and Michael O'Connor.

But they were forced on the back foot for most of the second half, and particularly in stoppage time as the hosts looked to snatch an equaliser following Josh Walker's late effort.

It was no more than the former Bury boss had anticipated.

"It was tough, but if you didn't think it was going to be tough, then there's something wrong," said Knill.

"We're fortunate, we come from a background (Bury) where we knew all about Stevenage and knew what to expect. And they produced exactly what we expected.

"I said before the game, if you're going to come here it takes a team to get a result. And I thought the team got the result.

"When we needed to throw bodies in the way and keep it out of our goal, we did that.

"There's lots you can pick out that wasn't good, but the most important thing is that's two wins on the trot now.

"Stevenage is probably one of the toughest places that most teams will come. It is a difficult place to play.

"You ask the people who have been here already, like Sheffield Wednesday, they found it difficult.

"We're absolutely delighted with the result.

"The performance could be better but the result is all that's important.

"We're grinding the results out. That's two on the trot and a good start to this month, now we've just got to keep building on that.

"The good thing is, it was a difficult game for us, but I thought some of the defending was excellent.

"Especially the way they play, it's difficult to stop because you know the ball's coming in the box  and you have to stand up, put your head on it and put a body in the way.

"Then when they get past the defenders you've got to have a top goalkeeper, and we're fortunate to have a top goalkeeper (Sam Johnstone)."