Paul Sturrock says Plymouth can still make the play-offs despite a second successive defeat which stopped them climbing back into the top six.The Pilgrims were out of luck when Scunthorpe took the lead in the 55th minute when a shot from winger Ian Morris took a deflection off the outstretched leg of centre-back Russell Anderson and looped over goalkeeper Luke McCormick into the net.

They then suffered another blow in the 71st minute when McCormick was sent-off for handling the ball outside his box and with no substitute keeper on the bench the midfielder Lee Hodges had to take over in goal.

Plymouth might have snatched a late equaliser when substitute Rory Fallon was just inches away from converting a far-post cross from Gary Teale.

"We did better with 10 men than we did with 11," said Sturrock.

"Our whole psyche seems to have changed and for some reason we want to play differently to the way we did when he had our run of success to get into the play-off positions," he said.

"We did not show enough urgency in the early stages and did not play our passing game.

"If the players take on board the criticism that I have just voiced to them, then we can still stay in the race for a play-off place.

"Saturday's game against Bristol City is now a really big one for us and we have got to bounce back by returning to the way we play best."

Victory for Scunthorpe gave them a real boost in their battle to avoid relegation.

It was only their fifth home win of the season and was a big improvement on their dismal 2-0 derby defeat at Hull City on Saturday.

"That was a poor performance and we needed to bounce back," said manager Nigel Adkins.

"In difficult conditions I thought my players were magnificent, as they have been for most of this season.

"We might have had a bit of fortune with the goal but we have certainly deserved some look after decisions which have gone against us this season.

"We know that if we are to get out of trouble we have to win our home games.

"We are still there fighting and now have another big match on Saturday at Queens Park Rangers."

Scunthorpe dominated the early stages with midfield man Jim Goodwin setting the tone with a first minute shot that brought the best out of McCormick.

Plymouth's only first half threat came from an effort by Jamie Mackie which forced a fingertip save from Scunthorpe keeper Joe Murphy.

After getting their noses in front Scunthorpe had to endure some anxious closing minutes but substitute Ben May came within a whisker of making it 2-0 in stoppage time with a fierce shot that struck the foot of a post.

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