Alfreton Town's dislike of artificial pitches was underlined by Tuesday night's defeat at Scarborough, although they came within a whisker of their third successive 0-0 draw on such a surface.

It was only in the last ten minutes that the issue was settled, initially through an 80th minute penalty converted by Michael Coulson, then a good finish on the break by Luca Colville six minutes later.

The spot-kick was only awarded by referee Helen Conley after a lengthy consultation with her assistant, so the Alfreton contingent was understandably incensed a couple of minutes later when the official at the other end failed to offer similar support when a blatant hand-ball was ignored.

A fairly mundane game had seen neither side produce many clear chances, although the Reds won a trio of free-kicks around 20 yards out inside the opening 27 minutes, Conor Branson off target with the first before Danny Preston saw his initial attempt blocked by the defensive wall before a weak low drive was comfortably held by keeper Joe Cracknell.

A looping Matt Rhead header was clutched virtually beneath the bar before George Cantrill scuffed wide from distance - Jordan Thewlis then embarked on a decisive run before spraying the ball wide to Yusifu Ceesay only for the subsequent cross to be cleared under pressure.

The half, which clearly belonged to Alfreton, ended with George Willis finally brought into action to thwart Kieran Wiledji.

Scarborough started the second half more positively with Ciaran McGuckin forcing Willis to save, then at the other end Thewlis saw a shot blocked and Ceesay an effort saved.

Either side of the goals Branson fired wide and Tom Denton had a header held, but it was a disappointing night for the Reds, who nevertheless remain in contention for a play-off spot in the National League North.

ALFRETON: Willis; Clackstone, Preston, Cantrill [Lund 59], Teale, Wiley,
Thewlis, Branson, Rhead, Ceesay, Hobson [Denton 80].
other subs: Butterfield, Salam, Askew.