When the half-time whistle sounded and the scoreboard read Scunthorpe 10-0 up against Nuneaton, the travelling support was in optimistic mood, writes Louie Clayton.
However, the final whistle brought about gloom for the Greens - and a bonus point - as Nuneaton claimed a 16-10 success.
Play was mainly confined to midfield with Scunthorpe having more territorial advantage in the opening exchanges on a greasy surface.
A couple of missed penalty kicks from both sides saw quick-thinking Tom Foster finally break the stalemate when he took a quick tap and forced his way over close to the posts. Harrison converted for 7-0 to the visitors.
A minute into added time and Scunthorpe gained an opportunity at the home end. Harrison duly converted another three points to take his team to 10-0 at the break.
Nuns came out after the interval fighting, their handling and passing proving to be a lot more clinical as Gavin Laycock forced his way to the line. Despite protestations that he had not grounded the ball, the try was awarded and unconverted.
A failed drop-goal attempt and a vital penalty conceded at scrum-time added to the Greens’ frustration as the Nuns broke for another unconverted try to see the scores level with 12 minutes of normal time left.
A crucial penalty was later handed to the opposition and the Nuns were into the lead by 13 points to 10 through replacement kicker Ross Cooke.
The home side continued to press and were awarded another penalty when Dave Garbutt was adjudged to have entered the defensive ruck from the side and also yellow carded within added time.
A couple of minutes of anxiety for the home boys saw the Greens surge forward desperately, however, the final whistle came all too soon and they were left to ponder on what might have been.
Scunthorpe entertain Old Halesonians at Heslam Park on Saturday - a side who did the double against them last season.