REPORT | Howarth’s The Hero As The Fancy Dress Away Day Strikes Again

In a game of very few chances, a goalless draw seemed nailed on, until Howarth popped up to sweep home Billy Whitehouse’s cross in the 89th minute that is. The midfielder proceeded to celebrate with the travelling ‘Fancy Dress’ supporters as everyone piled in making for jubilant scenes in South Lincolnshire.

Sometimes you wonder if fate writes these scripts as Albion have netted last gasp winners in their last three ‘Fancy Dress Away Days’ - coincidence?

Simon Collins welcomed Michael Ingham back in between the sticks as well as handing a start at right-back to Josh Barrett. Aiden Savory, Lamin Colley and Ellis Barkworth were all missing for the long trip for various reasons.

Taddy’s skipper didn’t get off to the most pleasant of returns however after tipping over a cross and dislocating his thumb in the 5th minute. Fortunately physiotherapist Lucy Lendhill was on-hand to pop the thumb back in place allowing him to bravely continue.

In a scrappy opening, the first big chance was carved out by the Brewers. Whitehouse slid Chris Howarth in down the right-hand side, he pulled back to marksman Joe Lumsden who cleverly beat one before he saw his effort blocked by Conor Marshall. The Tulips, who were looking for a reaction after back-to-back 3-0 defeats, were delivering several dangerous crosses into the box and none more so than on 25 minutes as Ingham could only parry but Paddy Miller managed to clear the lines.

Taddy top scorer Joe Lumsden went incredibly close on the half hour mark after brilliantly beating two United defenders in the box but his resulting shot was deflected agonisingly wide. Leon Mettam was full of running up front for the hosts and his first real sniff came when he was sent racing down the right in the area but Michael Ingham used all of his 6’4 inch wingspan to clutch the cross-goal effort. The first half finished with Spalding appealing for a penalty as Jenk Acar robbed Walters of the ball before going to ground in the box but the referee waved away the protests.

Taddy started the second half on the front pushing for the opening goal as Billy Whitehouse smashed a volley just over after a splendid raking ball over the top by Pete Davidson. Albion were enjoying the vast majority of possession as the match surpassed the hour mark but chances were still at a premium as Lumsden screwed a shot wide of the right-hand post.

On a bobbly pitch, Taddy were adapting their style of play but it seemed to be petering out for a 0-0. Spalding were looking to hold out for a point as the match entered the final stages. Credit to the Tulips, they were defending resolutely and dealing with everything thrown at them, as were Taddy.

However, in the final minute, Taddy managed to net a memorable last minute winner as Chris Howarth cleverly swept home Billy Whitehouse’s first-time volleyed cross. This sparked incredible scenes with every player celebrating with Napoleon, Ghostbuster, Mario & Luigi and co.

It wasn’t quite over there though as Spalding squandered a glorious opportunity to equalise right at the death. First Corey Roper put in an outstanding last ditch challenge inside the penalty box before Ben Davison skewed wide from eight yards out.

Full-Time: Spalding United 0-1 Tadcaster Albion

Spalding: Duggan, C. Marshall, L. Marshall, Brooks, Axter, Spafford, Hugo, Everington, Mettam, Davison©, Acar
Subs: Humble, Jalo, White, Floyd, Smith

Tadcaster: Ingham©, Barrett, Walters, Rose(Roper 71), Coates, Miller, Whitehouse, Davidson, Lumsden, Howarth, Stewart
Unused: Mycoe, Hardy