SCARBOROUGH Athletic dropped five vital points to slip out of the play-off places in Evo-Stik League division one north - ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

On Saturday they lost 2-1 at home to rivals Bamber Bridge, following a 2-2 midweek draw at Farsley.

Kieron Pickup gave Bridge - now third after a fourth straight win - an early lead and Darren Green doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.

The Seadogs scored a late goal via Ryan Blott’s fine header from a Gary Bradshaw cross but overall the visitors deserved their victory in front of a crowd of 518.

Last Tuesday at Farsley, Tom Corner put Boro in front after 19 minutes, but Adam Priestley equalised on 39. Three minutes later Alex Metcalfe regained the lead for Boro, but Aiden Savory levelled six minutes after the break.

Scarborough are now sixth and on Saturday host leaders Salford City (3pm) needing a result to get their promotion push back on track. A large crowd is expected.

Meanwhile, Whitby Town, mid-table in the premier division, drew 3-3 in their first-ever visit to Halesowen on Saturday - two late goals seeing them snatch a point.

David McTiernan fired the Blues ahead after three minutes but Halesown equalised after 29 through Iyseden Christie’s fine header.

The hosts netted twice at the start of the second half through Tom Tonks and Whitby skipper Mark Robinson’s own goal, heading in a cross by Aaron Griffiths.

Steven Snaith hit back nine minutes from time and, deep into stoppage time, Robinson made up for his earlier error by scoring a superb equaliser with a 25-yard cracker.

Last Wednesday, Whitby drew 1-1 at home with Matlock Town - again thanks to a stoppage-time leveller, this time from Liam Shepherd to cancel out Jamie McDonagh’s 35th-minute opener.

This Saturday, Whitby host Barwell (3pm).