The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word NICKING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
N
I
C
K
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "making a score" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case making a score = nicking.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NICKING mean?
NICKING verb- To make a nick or notch in; to cut or scratch in a minor way.
- To fit into or suit, as by a correspondence of nicks; to tally with.
- To make a cut at the side of the face.
- To steal.
- (law enforcement) To arrest.
- To give or call (someone) by a nickname; to style.
- The cutting made by the hewer at the side of the face.