POOR football and a string of missed chances saw Scarborough slump to a 1-0 defeat at the McCain Stadium to Alfreton Town in Conference North.

An Ashley Burbeary goal three minutes into the second half condemned the Seadogs to their sixth home defeat of the season and worsened their plight near the foot of the table.

Boro actually started the brighter and, after seven minutes, teenager Ged Dalton found Darren Thornton inside the box, only to see his drilled cross put out for a corner.

Burbeary could have opened the scoring two minutes later with a long-range volley which Boro goalkeeper did well Mark Wilberforce to tip over the bar.

But Boro were guilty of not taking their opportunities as Jimmy Beadle and Dalton both had chances to open the scoring before the break.

And, in the 48th minute, they were made to pay when Burbeary's free-kick from just outside the Boro area was spilled by Wilberforce and dropped into the net.