Scarborough 1, Northwich Victoria 0. SCARBOROUGH could have won by more after missing several chances, including a penalty, against lowly Victoria. But the result gave them their third successive win in a game played in grim conditions due to a wet pitch, particularly in the first half, making ball control almost impossible.

It soon became obvious that long balls were going to be the order of the day due to the heavy-going pitch. Stuart Kerr almost gave Scarborough a dream opening after five minutes after being set up by Clint Marcelle, but his shot went over the bar.

Boro continued to have the edge and found the net in the 22nd minute when Ashley Sestanovic drove home a well-placed cross form close range. It was Sestanovich's third goal in three games and was the ideal way for him to celebrate being voted the player of the FA Cup second round. The on-loan Sheffield United player was presented with a silver salver before the game after polling 42pc of the votes.

Northwich were unlucky not to get back into the game through Peter Wright, who hit the side-netting with a fine volley from 15 yards. Three minutes later, Steve Garvey had a chance for the Cheshire side but his effort went just wide.

Sestanovic almost masterminded a second goal with a great pass to Wayne

Gill but Victoria's Chris Blackburn ran in to clear in the goalmouth.

Teams of supporters improved the state of the pitch with forks at the interval, enabling play to be more constructive in the second half.

Scarborough's Mark Foran was tripped by Marcelle in the box, but Mark Quayle's spot kick was well saved with a great dive to the left by ex-Scarborough keeper

Andy Woods. Chances fell to Jimmy Kelly, Ashley Lyth and Quayle, but the Seadogs had to settle for a 1-0 victory margin.

Scarborough player coach Nicky Henry said: "It wasn't our best performance of the season, but we got three valuable points and we can go into the festive season games with confidence."

Updated: 09:45 Monday, December 22, 2003