JUST one point earned but a three point display from never-say-die battling Boro at the McCain Stadium.

Manager Mick Wadsworth had called for "fight, spirit, courage and togetherness" after a series of lacklustre performances had left the Seasiders just one place off the bottom.

And they needed all their grit and determination after Scott Partridge - who spent a short loan spell with Boro in 1996 - snatched an undeserved lead for fellow strugglers Torquay with just five minutes remaining.

It was promising to be a daylight robbery of the highest order until Liam Robinson headed home the equaliser with just two minutes remaining to give the beleaguered home side a well-earned share of the spoils.

They say fortune favours the brave and Wadsworth named a three-pronged attack headed by former York City striker Neil Campbell, returning from a successful loan spell at Telford United.

And another ex-Minsterman, Paddy Atkinson, made a welcome return after a five week absence through injury.

But whatever they say about the brave, remember what they also say about the best laid plans.

Within ten minutes, last season's top scorer Gareth Williams had to be replaced by Bullimore after suffering a nasty cut in an accidental clash of heads, by which time Boro could have found themselves 2-0 down.

As early as the second minute Boro keeper Tony Elliott pulled off a superb save from Partridge and recovered to paw away a rebound when the striker seemed destined to score.

And just moments later, Tony Bedeau left Scarborough skipper John Kay trailing in his wake before shooting into the side netting from just six yards.

With half-time approaching, Boro should have taken the lead when a defence splitting pass from Bullimore sent the pint-sized Brodie clear but his first touch let him down and Kevin Vasey in the Torquay goal was able to smother at his feet.

Scarborough's lady luck had seemingly packed her bags when a long pass out of defence by former England wing wonder Chris Waddle sent Partridge bearing down on the Boro goal.

His pass found Bedeau whose shot seemed destined for the corner flag until Partridge, running in at the far post, rose unmarked to head home.It should have been game, set and match for Torquay, but Boro simply refused to give up.

Robinson saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Vasey but was to get his reward, and Boro their well-deserved point, when he headed home the resultant corner with just two minutes left on the clock.

Wadsworth said: "We played really well which is good for the heart and good for confidence," said the Boro boss.

"We were back to something like our best and the players showed they are pulling together to get us out of this situation."

Match facts

Scarborough 1, Torquay 1

Scarborough: Elliott, Kay, Atkinson, Worrall, Lydiate, Marinkov, Campbell (Milbourne 75), Hoyland, Williams (Bullimore 10), Brodie, Robinson. Sub (not used): Russell. Bookings: Kay. Goal: Robinson 88.

Torquay United: Vasey, Gurney, Herrera, Aggrey, Thomas, Clayton, Leadbitter, McGorry, Bedeau, Partridge, Waddle. Subs (not used): Tully, Hapgood, Hill. Bookings: Bedeau, Thomas. Goal: Partridge 85.

Referee: David Laws (Whitley Bay)

Attendance: 1365

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