SCARBOROUGH are now poised just above the relegation zone in the Nationwide Conference after the 1-0 defeat at home to Hereford United.

With six defeats and a draw in their last seven games manager Neil Redfearn is facing a major test of his managerial skills.

"I have realised that the job I have taken on is bigger than I thought it would be, " said Redfearn, who is desperately searching though his contacts book for a proven goalscorer.

Adam Stansfield scored the only goal of an awful game after 11 minutes, beating an ill advised offside trap with the only real chance that Hereford created.

For the most part it was a question of Boro going forward without looking like scoring as a succession of chances came and went and players seemed reluctant to have an effort on goal from the edge of the penalty area.

Neil Bishop and Brian Wake had good heading chances, both of which fell gently into the goalkeeper's hands and indeed Wayne Brown was seriously tested on one occasion in the game.

This came from a Kevin Nicholson header, which Brown did well to push away.

The only good news for Redfearn was the fact that his defence, with Denny Ingram making a solid debut after his move from Halifax Town, and Barnsley teenager Rob Atkinson again hugely impressive, allowed a side with serious promotion credentials such limited opportunities.

But Boro face a huge job staying in the Conference unless Redfearn succeeds in his search for someone to score.

Updated: 11:11 Monday, January 09, 2006