CHESTER City manager Mark Wright summed up the feelings of many people who attended the McCain Stadium on Saturday, when he described the performance of the referee as "awful, positively awful."

Wright was totally correct. The West Midlands official brandished two yellow cards in the opening four minutes, and then went on to issue a further five in the remainder of the opening period.

Most of the bookings were awarded following innocuous challenges.

An incensed City boss continued: "The sooner the Nationwide Conference identify this small minority of inferior referees the better, because it just isn't good enough."

The major turning point in the game came in the 52nd minute, when City midfield player Paul Carden was dismissed for a second bookable offence, neither of which warranted a free-kick, never mind further action.

Carden and Ben Davies had been dominant in midfield and were totally in control against ex-City player Jimmy Kelly and Kerr in the Scarborough engine room.

But after the dismissal, the Yorkshiremen came more into the game.

Chester had gone in at the break deservedly leading 2-0 with goals from Darryn Stamp and Daryl Clare.

The opener came after 34 minutes. Walker in the home goal couldn't hold Clare's rasping 18-yard effort, and Stamp nipped in to knock the ball home.

Four minutes later, Clare was pulled back by former Shrewsbury Town defender Redmile, and the City striker swept the spot-kick home.

Scarborough caught Chester napping at the start of the second period, and reduced the arrears, after Bolland was adjudged to have pushed Quayle in the area.

The former Everton trainee, who had a spell on loan at the Deva Stadium last season, placed the penalty into the corner of the net.

Scarborough levelled after 64 minutes when McCaldon flapped at a corner and Marcelle scrambled the loose ball over the line.

Chester tried valiantly to restore their lead, but on a heavy pitch the one-man advantage proved too great and City had to be content with a point instead of all three.

CHESTER CITY: McCaldon, Ruffer, Bolland, Collins, Davies, Carden, Carey, McIntyre, Brady, Stamp (Guyett 63), Clare, (Twiss 78). Subs: Brown, Rapley, Foster.