It was another warm sunny day – the pitch was in tip top condition but inevitably the playing surface very hard. It was the first outing for John Deacey’s new look team which in accordance with FA Cup Rules, included seven substitutes.

The visitors made much the better start with an early scare when Goldsborough put Ardelean through but James Beaston was on hand for a vital interception. It was eight minutes before Tadcaster had their first sight of goal with a one on one for Mark Ferguson but keeper Thomas Orton was swiftly off his line to avert the danger.

However, on 13 minutes slack defending saw Tow Law take an early lead; a free kick was awarded for a trip on Bailey, and Ardelean headed across the area giving McKinnon the simple job of rolling the ball into the net amidst confusion in the box. 0 – 1.

Sam Barker tried a twenty-five yarder but Orton managed a finger tipped push over the bar and his subsequent menacing corner again needed all of the keeper’s agility to keep it out. Ferguson’s effort on 21 minutes landed well for Kesi Omolokun but his shot was blocked, whilst Johnson’s subsequent volley was wide. The Brewers should have drawn level a minute later when Ferguson was tripped in the box by Kurt Seymour by his spot kick was well over the bar.

Tow law immediately piled on the pressure with a breakaway, but Musselwhite showed his class with a point blank save from the marauding Goldsborough.

Play was then held up for five minutes after a bad clash of heads between Keeper Orton and Ferguson saw both players flat out in the box. The Tadcaster man was first to recover but Orton was clearly in real trouble. When the Physio finally got him to sit up his face was covered in blood and it was obvious he would play no further part in the match. Right back Kurt Seymour donned the keeper jersey as play eventually resumed. Ferguson was yellow carded for the incident, but it would be over fifty frustrating minutes before Albion managed a shot on target against the substitute shot stopper

Tadcaster resumed on the front foot but Ferguson’s long throw eluded Harry Jessop and fell straight into the hands of the waiting Seymour. Josh Grant’s pass to Jessop went for a corner which cleared the six-yard melee of players and curled away for a goal kick. At the other end Ardelean cleared the bar as the interval beckoned

Nathan Dyer and Matty Dixon were on for Crook and Jessop as played resumed for the second half and a change of format saw Tadcaster on top for the first time. On 50 minutes Johnson had the ball in the net but was adjudged off-side. That said the hosts had still not frustratingly tested the stand in keeper. Grant’s corner was well placed for Omolokun but his header was cleared off the line.

On 67 minutes Charlie -Jebson-King replaced Omolokun and the ex Ammers man was immediately in action with a pass through to Grant who in turn found Ferguson but the header was just wide. Barker looked to be through but was offside although things were looking more hopeful

Then on 80 minutes the break back finally happened. Barker found Grant clear on the left flank - instead of the more obvious choice of crossing into the box he put the ball into the path of Cody Cromack on a run from midfield – his finish from thirty yards was sublime into the corner of the net giving Seymour no chance. 1 - 1

At last, Taddy were in some measure of control of proceedings; Dyer has two chances in the final 5 minutes but could not get a close range shot away and then two minutes later it was his penetrating cross which opened up the possibility of a winner for Cromack but he lifted it over. Ferguson had the last of the action, but Seymour made a brilliant save from close range.

So, we travel to Tow Law this coming Tuesday 9th August for the replay KO 7.45. The winner will play Ashington at home on the 20th of August – they beat Newton Aycliffe yesterday

Next Saturday the Brewers commence their league season with a visit to Sheffield FC KO 3.00 pm and then the following Tuesday, the16th August they are at home to Cleethorpes Town starting at 7.45.

Priory Vodka Man of the Match Sam Barker

Musselwhite, Smith, Grant, Cromack, Beaston, Omolokun (Jebson – King), Johnson, Crook (Dixon)
Ferguson, Barker, Jessop (Dyer). Subs Not Used Hartley, McGivern, Fishley, Roper

All of us at Tadcaster Albion send their best to Tow Law keeper Thomas Orton and wish him a speedy recovery

Report from John Clothier – photos Courtesy of Keith Handley and Ian Parker