Last season's leading scorer Steve Brodie proved a life saver for Scarborough as his 81st minute goal earned a 1-1 Nationwide Conference draw at Stevenage.

However, it could have been a different story if Brodie had taken an earlier chance.

It came when Gareth Williams picked him out at the far post, but the little striker headed wide.

Ten minutes later, though, Denny Ingram's through ball sent him racing round Stevenage 'keeper Paul Wilkerson to score from a narrow angle for a deserved equaliser.

Stevenage had opened the scoring after 15 minutes, when Nathan Brunce rose above Paul Ellender to head a free kick into the danger area, where Darran Hay sweetly nodded the ball home.

"When they scored the early goal I was concerned as to how the players would react after all that has been going on, but they responded superbly. We played all the football in the game and really should have won it" said acting player-manager Neil Thompson.

The former York City boss was referring to the fact the players have not been paid in August and that tomorrow's game against Morecambe at the McCain Stadium could be the last ever to be played there.

The club faces a creditors' meeting on Friday and if the creditors do not accept the proposals which are to be put to them - which basically converts their debts into shares - then the club will fold.

It was therefore remarkable that the players, who are unable to meet their mortgage payments, could produce such a vibrant performance after the early setback.

Matthew Russell impressed with his surging runs and Wilkerson denied him twice in the first half.

Russell was matched by teenage debutant David Pounder, who gave an all-action display, allied to a football brain which promises much for the future.

Thompson handled the side well, making a crucial switch in the first half by moving Marcus Jones back to sweeper when he found the pace of midfield too much.

After Brodie had equalised, he was denied by the boot of Wilkerson and with Russell going close again, Scarborough could feel reasonably aggrieved that they had not collected all three points.

Before the game, there was a feeling it would be the start of a protracted funeral procession, but the players showed their wish is for the club to survive.

Thompson urged fans to attend on Tuesday night to show the creditors the town still wants a club.

He said: "It really is up to the fans to produce an atmosphere and a demonstration that they feel for the club and, who knows, it could just tip the balance for that crucial vote on Friday."

Stevenage: Wilkerson, Kirby, Smith, Bunce, Nyamah, Wraight, Graham, Clark (Browne, 85 mins), McMahon (Armstrong, 83 mins), Hay (Hockton, 34 mins), Ilman.

Scarborough: Woods, Russell, Rennison, Ingram, Ellender, Betts (Windross, 74 mins), Stoker, Jones, Pounder, Brodie, Williams.

Referee: A Wilkins (Gravesend)

Attendance: 2,032

Despite a pre-season of promise and a host of new signings, Harrogate Town lost their opening fixture in UniBond League division one at relegated Winsford Town.

The Cheshire side won only three league games and conceded 116 goals last season, but 'Gate couldn't find a way through and strikes by David Lloyd and Danny Worthington gave the hosts a 2-0 win.

Despite falling behind after five minutes to a Michael Muscroft goal, champions Nestle Rowntree hit back three times to secure the West Yorkshire League points at Pontefract.

Stephen Ward scored twice and Brent Terry once as Jim Collis's men turned it round in the second half.

York RI and Rothwell Athletic, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw.