A good turnout, especially from the visitors , saw a battling performance from both clubs in relatively good playing conditions, the rain just about holding off. Tadcaster had already cemented their survival in the league, but a win for second placed Hallam would see them with an automatic home start to the play offs. The Brewers would have to carefully mark Rio Allan, the league’s leading goal scorer with 36 goals already this season.

A steady start from both teams saw Taddy having the first chance on goal in the thirteenth minute when Oli Norman’s defence splitter found Kieran Greenway in space but Jamie Tomlinson was inches away of converting the pass into the box, the final shot cleared off the line.

Hallam came straight back within a minute as James Cadman’s shot beat Sam Green but skipper Dan Thirkell had read the situation and cleared off the line. Charlie Thomson had a half chance at the mid-point of the half but Hugo Warhurst was quickly off his line to clear.

Tadcaster had their first taste of Rio Allen on the half hour but his curling shot to the far corner was well saved by Green. The home side had a slight numerical advantage a minute later when Brodie Litchfield was sin binned but, if anything, the visitors made best use of the situation with Alfie Smith putting a free header wide.

With the match still evenly poised Cadman had the best chance of the match in the final minute of the half superbly volleying from the edge of the box but with Green beaten the ball smashed against the cross bar and away to safety.

Goalless was a fair situation at the break but both sides could rue their missed chances!

On 49 minutes Alex Charlesworth launched a pin point throw to Greenway who again looked to set up Tomlinson in the box but the header was just wide.

On 62 minutes Hallam broke the deadlock: A long throw into box bounced over three defenders eventually land near the far post by the unmarked Allen who, unmarked, notched up his thirty seventh of the season with a low drive beyond the stranded Green. 0 – 1.

Albion looked for a quick reply when on 67 minutes Charlesworth’s cross was cleared but straight to Greenway whose goal bound effort was blocked by Sharman. Tomlinson made way for Fraser Middleton-Tozer who almost immediately, on the end of a Mason Wilson pass, was denied by Warhurst who parried his shot to safety.

With twenty minutes remaining throughout the game, Ronnie McGrath, who had not stopped running, was close to levelling the score but was inches off target.

On 78 minutes Shepherd made way for Dan Davy, only for Hallam to double the score moments later, when Brownell put a pin point cross over the defence for Allen to convert from unmissable range.0 – 2.

It was a mountain to climb but Tadcaster heads were never down. With only three minutes on the clock McGrath tried his luck from outside the box but again Warhurst read the situation well.

The last action saw Allen sin binned for dissent on 90 minutes. A good performance by The Brewers but no points and they finish the season in 17th position and safety.

Next Saturday we entertain promotion hopefuls, Beverley in the final game of the season.
This will also see the launch of our live screening arrangement for overseas supporters. Further details this week on the Club Website

Tony Howarth Golf Man of the Match - Ronnie McGrath

Green, Charlesworth (Georgiou), Wilson, Thirkell ©, Heaton, Shepherd (Davy), Norman, McGrath, Thomson (White), Greenway, Tomlinson (Middleton - Tozer)

Report from John Clothier – Photos from Keith Handley