ALDERSHOT goalkeeper Nikki Bull was at the centre of a missing missile mystery at KitKat Crescent.

Bull held his head as referee David Richardson ran towards him to brandish a yellow card for delaying taking a goal-kick.

His actions in Sunday's match were met with disapproval from City supporters in the David Longhurst Stand and, even though no missile appeared to be found on the pitch, Halifax official Richardson reported Bull's protest to City's security manager immediately.

City's caretaker boss Viv Busby was also puzzled by the incident, saying: "He was claiming something was thrown at him. I don't know if that happened but the crowd reacted as if it hadn't.

"He might have just been trying to escape a yellow card for time-wasting but it's hard to say without knowing all the facts."

City's chief executive Keith Usher confirmed that the matter had been reported but does not expect it to be taken any further, saying: "It was alleged that something had been thrown on the pitch but, as far as I am aware, nothing was found and I think the incident has been dead and buried."

Updated: 10:33 Tuesday, February 08, 2005