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Irish newcomer Cliff Byrne, on loan from Sunderland, gave an impressive display in the Scunthorpe back four.
United were always in charge with early efforts by Lee Featherstone and Martin Carruthers parried by Roger Freestone. The Swans first shot on target came from former Iron loanee Matt Murphy but it went straight in to Tommy Evans' arms.
However attacks from Swansea were a very rare occurrence and the Iron went close when Steve Torpey's volleyed over the bar and then Kris O'Leary headed clear free-kick from Ian Kilford.
The Iron finally went ahead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot when Iron-Bru.net sponsored Carruthers was judged to have been pulled down by Jason Smith, he got up to drive the ball well beyond Roger Freestone's grasp.
Another Swans raid was rewarded with their first corner after 31 minutes and Mick Howard's flag kick was headed wide of the mark by Smith.
On the stroke of half time Matt Sparrow, returning after a three-match ban following his incident with Lee Hodges at Spotland, fired Scunthorpe further ahead with a fine left foot shot.
The home side began the second half in dominant fashion and they almost grabbed a third when a firmly struck 20 yard free kick by Andy Dawson was spilled by Freestone, but eventually cleared.
Just after the hour Featherstone made a strong run to cross from the left and although Torpey got a touch on the ball with his head, it was not firm enough and the chance went begging.
Swansea's best chance of cutting the deficit came in the 68th minute when Richards got away down the middle but blasted the ball wildly over the bar, while a diving header by Lee Jenkins was also close.
In the end United fully deserved the three points despite never getting beyond second gear against second-rate opponents. The win moves us back into the playoff positions, with us occupying seventh place.
A firmer test will come next Saturday though with the trip to AFC Bournemouth, another club in the thick of the playoffs.