SCARBOROUGH Athletic’s fine form nose-dived on Saturday as they lost 3-1 at home to Romulus in Evo-Stik League division one south.

Boro deserved more but, without the influence at the back of the suspended Paul Foot, could not cope with the Sutton Coldfield side’s long-ball tactics.

They remain seventh in the table, just a point off the play-offs, and in the coming week they visit the two teams directly above them – Coalville on Saturday (3pm) and Mickleover Sports next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Midfielder Lee Smith bundled in Romulus’s undeserved first goal, and Craig Marshall struck home the second after poor defending had allowed Tyron Amory to run through and hit a post.

At the other end, Chris Bolder saw a header tipped onto the bar, Ben Middleton had an effort cleared off the line, Pete Davison hit the bar and the same player had a penalty appeal turned down, before Ryan Blott halved the deficit with his 200th goal for the club.

Boro sought a leveller but, with men forward, Daniel O’Callaghan forced in Romulus’ third with 30 seconds to go.

Young Grimsby Town loanee Sam O’Malley, a newcomer to the ranks, was on the bench.

Meanwhile, a goal inside a minute from Ryan Williams – a superb free-kick – and a second on 18 minutes by Gary Bradshaw gave Boro a 2-0 win over Lincoln United on New Year’s Day. Daniel Brooks twice hit the woodwork late on for the visitors.