On a cold afternoon in Mid-December, fans settled into the stands at the Slazenger Sports Complex just outside of Wakefield to watch the latest game in the NCEL Premier Division. Tadcaster had gradually dropped down to 4th in the league tables after an unfortunate bad spell since early November and would be hoping for a return to form against 17th placed Horbury Town. That said the hosts had taken nine points from their last three home games and Albion had to be on top form if they were to win this match.

It was a fantastic start for the away team with an almost immediate attempt at goal from Desmond Okoro seizing on a pull back from Aaron Pilkington but saved by the Horbury keeper, Paul Day. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse when ex-Brewers striker Bailey Thompson rose highest to put a header into the top of the Tadcaster net on his debut game for the home side 1 – 0.

Horbury were starting to dominate possession with back-to-back chances, with play not often straying from the Tadcaster end but both Nathan Heaton and Alfie Burnett played a large part in keeping the ball out of the net. However, the Brewers were undeterred, with Albion’s Oliver Green picking up a glorious through ball from Aaron Pilkington and driving in an equaliser in the 14th minute.1 – 1.

Once again, the tide of the match turned as the Brewers found their footing, but not without attempts from both sides, particularly from corners. After a fantastic run from Miguel Cassama leading to a narrowly saved corner, tensions were rising both on and off the pitch; fans and players alike creating an aggressive cacophony as Cassama headed over a real chance on the half hour on the end of the cross from Jack Lane.

Oliver Green was forcibly dragged to the ground in the area but shouts for a foul were ignored. Nevertheless, the ball stayed firmly out of the Albion net with some excellent Tadcaster defending: Heaton prevented Thompson doubling his tally as a dangerous ball was put across the line by Jagger, and when Jagger then drilled the ball towards the back of the net just before half time, he was there again to head it off the line.

Tadcaster’s closest chance came towards the end of the first half from Jayden Clarke-Thompson, but it cleared the crossbar. Yet there was time for a little more drama before the whistle blew – Four back-to-back attempts from the home side failed to hit the mark with the Brewers defence resolute.

Going into the second half, the early winter darkness dropped temperatures further, and what was cold became bitter. Play was relatively even until on 53 minutes Horbury got their second: A debateable foul against Cassama lead to a frankly impressive free kick from all of thirty-five yards sent straight into the back of the net by Joe Jagger. Burnett had no chance. 2 - 1

Manager Qualter brought on three substitutions around the hour mark: new signing Crocjac Klimczak for Cassama, ex Horbury player Noel Nfonkeu for Okoro and Mathew Mulhearn for Skipper Owen.

With the second half well underway both teams were struggling to advance. A cruel wind had picked up and the ground heavy after weeks of stormy weather. Albion’s chances then took a turn for the worse after Horbury scored a third , a tap in courtesy again of Thompson with just under 20 minutes remaining. 3 – 1.

Tadcaster brought on Andy Shepherd in place of Clarke-Thompson who had not stopped running for the entire match before that moment but try as they may, there was no way back for the visitors.

The result sees the Brewers down to sixth place, the first time this season they have been out of the play offs. That said only four points divide them and the four club above. The next game is at the Young Guns Arena next Saturday when Frickley are the visitors for the penultimate game of 2025. Kick Off 3.00 pm.

Burnett, Pilkington, Senior, Lane, Heaton, Pearson, Okoro (Nfonkeu), Owen © (Mulhearn), Cassama (Klimczad), Clarke-Thompson (Shepherd), Green, Substitute Not Used Billet

Report from Annie Roberts – Photos Courtesy of John Clothier