SCARBOROUGH'S 1-1 FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw at Lancaster City was a rather limp affair, lacking in passion and with few chances created in the game

Indeed, it was perhaps indicative of the striking power of both sides that the goals were scored by defenders.

Ryan Black crossed with precision for Steve Hollis to give the home side the lead after 68 minutes and such was the lack of goal threat at the other end a cup shock was a distinct possibility.

But Boro found an unlikely hero in Mark Hotte, who earlier had forced home 'keeper Jamie Speare into one of his two saves.

Hotte's header forced Speare to go full length, while his other moment of worth came when he denied Chris Senior with a brave block.

Hotte, who is on the small side for a defender, was finding space at corners and his header bounced down and up into the roof of the net eight minutes from time for only the second goal of his career to save Boro's blushes.

Neal Redfearn had been marked out of the game by Gary Bauress and with Tony Hackworth looking somewhat forlorn Boro's only spark came from Senior.

"We didn't play well but the important thing is that we have get another crack at them on Tuesday night," said Nicky Henry.

He added: "The game need something to bring it alive but neither side produced it."

Boro's fans far outnumbered the Lancastrians and no doubt they will be looking forward to a better display tomorrow night, with the prospect of a visit to the National Hockey Arena at Milton Keynes to face the Dons awaiting the winners.

Lancaster City 1 Scarborough 1

FA Cup 4th qualifying round

Lancaster: Speare, Hollis, Murphy (McMahon 89), Sparrow, Scot; Black, Elderton, Baures, Prince; Thomson, Jones

Scarborough: Scarborough: Walker, Lyth (Coulson 74), Cryan, Foot, Hotte; Redfearn, Kerr, Thompson, Nicholson; Senior, Hackworth (Foster 81).

Referee: Michael Short (Barnsley).

Crowd: 600.

Updated: 09:42 Monday, November 01, 2004