SCARBOROUGH Athletic’s play-off challenge was dented on Saturday when an under-par performance heralded a 3-1 defeat at Ossett Albion.

The Seadogs remain fifth and very much in the hunt but will have to quickly rediscover the grit and determination which helped to bring victory over play-off rivals Spennymoor Town just a week earlier.

They host 15th-placed Warrington Town (3pm) on Saturday needing to bounce back immediately.

Albion, down in 16th in the table, deserved their victory over a previously in-form Boro side, out-battling the visitors amid difficult footballing conditions of a strong wind, poor surface and snowfall.

Bryan Hughes and Paul Foot’s men were boosted by the return of attacker Ryan Blott and defender Matty Plummer, while new boy Alex Metcalfe went onto the bench.

They began well, aided by the gale at their backs, and took a 12th-minute lead as Jimmy Beadle, pushed forward for the afternoon, smashed a superb long-distance strike into the top corner.

Gary Bradshaw also skimmed the bar.

However, with experienced striker Adam Muller beginning to cause Boro’s below-par defence problems, Ossett equalised on the half-hour courtesy of a mistake.

Ben Middleton’s back pass was too short, and Muller nipped in and laid the ball on for Nicholas Matthews to finish easily.

Two minutes before half-time, Luke Sharry’s mis-hit shot following a corner fell to Dominic Riordan, who poked home to give the hosts the lead as the defence stood and watched.

The second period brought poor fare, Ossett taking control with the wind at their backs.

They got their third goal 10 minutes into the half when catching Boro on the counter, full-back Ross Hardaker cutting inside and slotting the ball into the net.

The introduction of Metcalfe gave the Seadogs some spark, the former Harrogate Town midfielder quickly creating a chance for Blott, with the striker’s effort hitting the bar.

But there was little real danger of Ossett being denied a league double over the seasiders.

Next Tuesday, Boro host Northern League division two side Thornaby in a North Riding Senior Cup quarter-final (8pm).

Meanwhile, Whitby Town return to Evo-Stik premier division action on Saturday when they visit second-placed Ilkeston Town, who won 3-1 at Rushall Olympic at the weekend.

The Blues, now lying 15th, were were without a game on Saturday because scheduled visitors FC United of Manchester were involved in an FA Trophy second round tie at Conference North high-fliers Chorley. The game ended 3-3 in front of a crowd of 2,254, with the replay to be played last night.