Luke Hinsley’s goal on the stroke of half time was cancelled out by Harvey Tomlinson before a late Jack McMenemy strike won the game overcoming a battling Tad performance from an injury hit squad.

Andy Monkhouse recalled Corey Roper to the starting eleven alongside Jack Johnson, Jordan Hines and Lewis Hey. New arrival Josh Mazfari was handed his debut in goal and the returning Omar Sanyang was named on the bench.

Both sides had early efforts at goal in the opening ten minutes. The hosts had the first chance of the game in the second minute, Leon Dawson whipping a free kick over.

Tadcaster’s first shot came in the 10th minute; a poor kick out from James McKeown was controlled by Jordan Hines who then struck goalward but McKeown recovered to tip wide.

Alex Flett had two more shots for the hosts. His first strike deflected wide and the second saw the midfielder dribble through the Tad defence but his poked shot was off target in the 22nd minute.

In the 34th minute Cleethorpes came again, McMenemy cut in from the left and bent an effort wide of the far post.

On the stroke of half time Tad struck; Fed by Scott Smith, Hey got forward from left back and delivered an inch perfect cross for the diving head of Hinsley who powered his shot beyond McKeown giving the Brewers the lead, 0-1.

In the opening five minutes of the second half Hinsley and Hey linked up again to good effect, this time a one-two sent Hey away but he miscued his strike.

In the 52nd minute Mazfari was out smartly to deny Cleethorpes who were beginning to build up a head of steam.

Little before the hour mark Mazfari was called into action again producing two outstanding saves, one to his left and the other to his right before confidently claiming a corner to take some of the pressure off the Tad backline.

In the 62nd minute, after sustaining a knock, Smith could not continue and on in his place came Sanyang.

As pressure continued to build the hosts finally equalised in the 73rd minute, Flett’s decisive through ball sending substitute Tomlinson in behind to finish coolly, 1-1.

In the 81st minute Sanyang was sent clear in on goal but to much confusion and protest the flag had been raised on the far side denying the visitors a golden opportunity.

A minute later Sanyang was again on the shoulder of the last man looking to run in behind. Hinsley this time found the winger who worked room to strike but his shot was well saved by the experienced McKeown.

As the game neared the 90th minute Hinsley and Sanyang again created an opening, the reverse on this occasion, as Hinsley was the one to take aim but his shot flew over the bar.

The hosts got themselves one last chance, in the 94th minute; McMenemy got in behind and picked out the bottom corner to win the game, 2-1.

The Tadcaster players were out on their feet in the closing stages but gave it everything and were unfortunate to come away on the wrong side of the score line against high flying opposition.

Next up for the Brewers is the first of three straight home league games in a week with North Shields the visitors to the So Trak stadium this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Mazfari, Johnson, Beaston, Hartley ©, Hey, Sharry, Roper, Smith (Sanyang), Hudson, Hines (Dyer), Hinsley. Subs not used: Culverwell.

Report from Olly Wood