Scarborough maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw against second-placed Hednesford Town but were left to rue a string of missed chances that should have garnered three points.

Hednesford arrived for their first ever appearance at the McCain Stadium boasting three wins from their first three matches but, as if to emphasise the Seasiders new lease of life, Boro boss Colin Addison will be feeling disappointed today.

Scarborough had enough opportunities to at least equal the five goals they smashed past Yeovil on the opening day of the campaign.

Boro's first gilt-edged opportunity arrived in the fifth minute when Darren Roberts robbed Stuart Lake of possession on the edge of the Hednesford area but dragged his shot wide.

Full back Mark Tyrrell then headed over at the far post and Marcus Jones also saw an effort hacked off the line.

Impish forward Steve Brodie saw a goal-bound shot hit a defenders ankle as Scarborough stepped up the pressure while at the other end 'keeper Kevin Martin had not had a save to make.

However, as half-time approached disaster struck for Scarborough when live-wire winger Stewart Airdrie, a close-season capture from Guiseley, skipped down the left before whipping in a low cross that Adie Mike was able to bundle home for his second goal of the season.

It was an injustice on a grand scale but parity was restored within minutes when in an almost copy-cat attack Roberts rampaged down the right before firing in a cross-cum-shot that found its way to Brodie at the back post. He wasted no time in firing in his third of the season.

The second-half saw even more Boro pressure - Brodie and Roberts were guilty of missing with free headers while McAlindon could only get his studs to a low cross from Simon Betts.

Another free-kick from the former Carlisle United ace was tipped over the bar by Phil Morgan while a stooping Roberts header was again cleared off the line.

Some resolute defending saw Hednesford hold firm for a night of disappointment for Boro. But at least the Seasiders are creating chances - in stark contrast to last year's ill-fated campaign.

Harrogate Town suffered their first UniBond League division one defeat of the season, going down 3-0 at home to Bradford Park Avenue courtesy of a John Francis hat-trick.

Goole crashed out of the FA Cup last night, going down 6-3 at Trafford in their preliminary round replay.

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