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Hayes: It feels like fate

Image: Paul Hayes: Rifling home his first goals back with the Iron

Paul Hayes wondered whether it was "just meant to be" after marking his return to Scunthorpe with a match-winning double at Mansfield.

Hayes returned for a third spell at Glanford Park before Christmas and although he had to wait until the New Year before being eligible for his third debut, the 30-year-old slammed home a spectacular early 30-yard volley and followed up with the game-clinching second to keep the Iron top of the table. "It's probably the best debut I've had in my whole career," he told the club's official website after the 2-0 win at Field Mill. "Obviously coming back there's pressure on me and I'm nervous to do well, but to score after 10 minutes or so was fantastic and a huge relief - especially as we were under the cosh. Then to score in the second half was great and we just held on." The former Barnsley forward, who made his first debut for the Iron back in 2002, added: "I love the place, love the club and it works both ways. "I've been successful here and the club's been great to me. To come back in, maybe it's a fairytale? Maybe it's meant to be?"

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