Andy King'slate winner secured all three pointsfor the visitors. Paul Hayes had earlier levelled Lloyd Dyer's strike.
Adkins felt the game could have gone either way, and although he felt defending could have been improved for both the goals conceded he is confident both sides will be challenging for promotion come May.
And with a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night Adkins is hopeful of a quick return to winning ways.
"These are two top sides and I am sure they will both be up there at the end of the season," he said.
"It is great that we have been top of the league for five weeks, I hope the supporters have enjoyed it. We have got a chance to get back up there again on Tuesday and hopefully we can take it.
"This was a game that could have gone either way, on another day it could have been us coming away with the three points.
"We played some great stuff, particularly in the first half. But we are disappointed with both goals that we gave away."
The Leicester manager Nigel Pearson warned his side not to get carried away with being back at the top of the table.
"It was a big win for us, but let's put it into context - it's only three points," he said.
Even if United beat Tranmere at Prenton Park in midweek, Leicester will be confident of holding on to the top spot as they host the bottom club Crewe Alexandra at the Walkers Stadium.
MK Dons, second in the table, will also be clear favourites for their home game against Hereford United.
"Scunthorpe are a good side and this is always a tough place to come. And after the disappointment of conceding two late goals at Swindon last week, it was good to see us able to close this game out."
Adkins felt the game could have gone either way, and although he felt defending could have been improved for both the goals conceded he is confident both sides will be challenging for promotion come May.
And with a trip to Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night Adkins is hopeful of a quick return to winning ways.
"These are two top sides and I am sure they will both be up there at the end of the season," he said.
"It is great that we have been top of the league for five weeks, I hope the supporters have enjoyed it. We have got a chance to get back up there again on Tuesday and hopefully we can take it.
"This was a game that could have gone either way, on another day it could have been us coming away with the three points.
"We played some great stuff, particularly in the first half. But we are disappointed with both goals that we gave away."
The Leicester manager Nigel Pearson warned his side not to get carried away with being back at the top of the table.
"It was a big win for us, but let's put it into context - it's only three points," he said.
Even if United beat Tranmere at Prenton Park in midweek, Leicester will be confident of holding on to the top spot as they host the bottom club Crewe Alexandra at the Walkers Stadium.
MK Dons, second in the table, will also be clear favourites for their home game against Hereford United.
"Scunthorpe are a good side and this is always a tough place to come. And after the disappointment of conceding two late goals at Swindon last week, it was good to see us able to close this game out."