There were welcome returns for Luke Sharry and T’nique Fishley although Luke Hinsley remained on the injured list. The news that fellow strugglers, Shildon, had beaten North Shields earlier in the day highlighted the need for points in this festive fixture against the Seasiders .

It was a positive Start for Tadcaster and after just four minutes Roy Fogarty found himself on a one on one in the six-yard area but keeper James Hitchcock was swiftly off his line. Lewis Dennison had an equally good chance early on for the hosts but Max Culverwell read the situation perfectly.

On ten minutes Williamson floated a long ball for Dennison but his half volley was straight at Culverwell. At the quarter hour mark, Nathan Dyer, turned brilliantly in the box and although Hitchcock was equal to the shot, the ball came straight back for a lob over the keeper but again Tadcaster could not capitalise as it hit Bulless well placed on the goal line.

Dyer went close almost immediately as he broke down the right flank but his drive was just wide. On 18 minutes Fogarty put Theo Hudson through but his shot was blocked. Sharry tried a speculative thirty yarder but it was high and wide

Tadcaster had had by far the better of the opening half hour but hearts sank on 32 minutes when they succumbed to a set piece which saw Brid take the lead; Andy Norfolk‘s in swinging corner found Benn Lewis who having lost his defender was unmarked at the far post for a simple conversion. 1 – 0.

Fair play to the Brewers who continued to look for an opening; With ten minutes remaining before the break, Hudson had a half-hearted penalty appeal waived away by referee Wright, Crofts pull - back for Dyer bobbled at the worst possible moment whilst Charlie Jebson-King dragged his shot wide just before the whistle .

Dennison slid wide as play recommenced but on 58 minutes had a real chance to double the advantage when the striker acrobatically thumped a volley from within the box but thankfully just the wrong side of the post.

Crofts, showing pace up front, saw his effort just tipped over the bar whilst with 20 minutes left, Albion has the ball in the net following a cool side foot finish from Fogarty who was, nevertheless, adjudged off side.

With a quarter hour left on the clock, Bulless rose highest from a cross although headed straight at Culverwell but things were about to get worse for the visitors; With seven minutes to go, Dennison’s effort was blocked but Norton was ready to capitalise as he picked up the rebound and smashed it into the corner of the net.2 – 0.

Despite three minutes added time there was no way back for Tadcaster. The mountain had just got bigger!

The next action for Taddy is a home game against Brighouse on Monday 2nd January with a slightly earlier kick off at 1.00 pm. Brighouse sit in 10th place in the league one place below Bridlington.

The bottom of the Northern Premier league East looks as follows.
17th Grantham Town played 19 – 18 points
18th Carlton Town played 18 - 18 points
19th Shildon played 18 – 16 points
20th Tadcaster played 21 - 8 points

Culverwell, Fishley (Steve Smith), Jebson-King, Sharry, Beaston ©, Hartley, Crofts, Scott Smith, Fogarty ( Hines), Dyer, Hudson . Sub Not Used, Johnson

Report from John Clothier Photos Courtesy of Dom Taylor and Bridlington Town FC