SCARBOROUGH fought hard for a 0-0 Nationwide Concerence point against lowly Tamworth and had the best chances to win the game early on and at the death.

Home goalkeeper Phil Whitehead, who had a period on loan with York City last season, scuffed a fourth minute clearance straight to Lloyd Blackman but was equal to the striker's effort.

In the 89th minute substitute Chris Senior found himself clear on goal but shot straight at Whitehead, who saved with ease.

In between there was a lot of home pressure, but Leigh Walker was called on to make only three real saves, keeping out efforts from Scott Rickards, Andy Watson and Brett Darby.

The game produced little excitement and the Boro defence, with Steve Baker and Ashley Lythe in commanding form, were able to contain the home side, who had a considerable height advantage due to the absence of Matt Redmile.

"I think we had the best chances in a game of few chances and I thought we had nicked it at the end," said Boro boss Russ Slade.

Tamworth: Whitehead, Warner, Jordan, Taylor (Johnson 90), Stanford (Hannie 85), Watson, Ayres, Fisher, Follett, Darby, Rickards

Scarborough: Walker, Lythe, Baker, Hotte, Capper (Price 76), Kerr, Kelly, Henry (Raw 59), Gill, Quayle, Blackman (Senior 67)

Referee: M Short

Attendance: 1,004

Updated: 11:11 Wednesday, September 24, 2003