MFC LADIES were unable to pick up all three points as they returned to league action after their cup heroics with a home game against Scunthorpe on Sunday.

With very strong winds blowing one way down the pitch it was always going to be more of a battle against the elements for both teams.

Boro played with the wind behind them in the first half but failed to take advantage and didn't test the visiting keeper with any long range shots.

Kate Foster stood out in an otherwise scrappy opening, working tremendously hard in midfield and preventing Scunthorpe creating any chances while trying to get on the end of Boro's attacking moves.

In the second half the visitors pressured Boro much more but it was Boro who had the clearer openings.

The Scunthorpe keeper made three vital saves to keep her team in the game and at the other end there was a near miss when one of their strikers hit the crossbar.

But the game finished in a disappointing stalemate.

*Clare Helm won the MFC Ladies Player of the Year award at Middlesbrough's Disabled Supporters Association annual player of the year awards on Monday evening.

"It was a much deserved choice for a very consistently high standard in 2007," said manager Marrie Wieczorek.

Our picture shows Claire receiving her trophy from Boro legend Gordon Jones.

This Sunday Boro travel to play Stretford Victoria (Manchester), 2pm kick off.