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"Steve MacLean's hat-trick was well-deserved and we have now gone seven games undefeated."
His opposite number Bobby Gould said young players should watch the performances of senior players such as Peter Beagrie and his own Bob Taylor.
"Players have much to learn about the game, about work rate and their knowledge of the game.
"Beagrie was outstanding, you need to put three players round him so he doesn't get the ball." Scunthorpe dictated much of the opening halaf hour with McLean giving them a 21st minute lead, nipping in after Alex Calvo-Garcia's shot was blocked.
Six minutes later, Beagrie hammered home a left-foot shot.
Cheltenham's Grant McCann forced Sam Russell in to a fine save as they forced their way into the game and then he saw a raking 25 yard drive hit the foot of the post.
The Robins were back in the game in the 43rd minute, Bob Taylor heading high into the net, to secure their first goal in 332 minutes.
Scunthorpe grabbed the third goal in the 53rd minute, MacLean striking a super drive from a flick-on by Steve Torpey.
The visitors skipper Mark Yates tried a long range shot which Russell turned over and then McCann forced another fine save from the young keeper.
MacLean completed his triple with an 80th minute spot kick and then his strike partner Torpey rose high to head home the fifth in the 81st minute.
McCann grabbed a second consolation for Cheltenham from the penalty spot after Nathan Stanton was alleged to have handled the ball.