Billy Marshall set the Northern Counties East Premier Division alight after only 4 minutes. An own goal on 25 minutes plus second half goals from Oliver Norman and Jayden Clarke-Thompson put the hosts out of reach of their visiting opponents.

388 supporters turned out at the Young Guns Arena to see The Brewers take on an optimistic Handsworth, hoping to extend their magnificent run of form on the final day.
Goals have been flying in of late for the Brewers and when Marshall’s rocket of an opener found the top left corner in the fourth minute, there seemed no query as to whether or not that would continue in this game. 1-0.

As the adrenaline calmed down from the early screamer, both teams appeared evenly matched, but Albion were pushing on for the second goal. In a frantic few minutes, Tadcaster’s Miguel Cassama almost squeezed the ball past James Wheeler in the visitor’s goal before the Amber’s dynamic winger, Mitchell Dunne, had his effort saved by Ally Hughes and cleared off the line.

But it was the hosts who scored next, doubling their lead. Oliver Norman’s deep cross found the chest of Shepherd who emphatically hit the bar. As the ball came down with pace, the next ricochet was off the shin of Haigh which flew into the back of the net. 2-0.

Handsworth were not out of contention yet though and that was shown when Ben Harriott nodded home a corner unchallenged at the far post in the 36th minute . 2-1.

An early goal in the second half was definitely needed for the hosts, to squash any potential nerves and that is exactly what they got. In the 48th minute, Norman put a curling free kick into the back of the net over the outstretched hand of keeper James Wheeler to give the hosts a two-goal buffer once again. 3-1.

Handsworth continued to try and find a way through their hosts but on 73 minutes the win was sealed for Tadcaster. Daniel Brookes, on a run from defence, put Oliver Green away who in turn drew in his man before squaring the ball across to Jayden Clarke-Thompson who thumped it home from the six yard line. 4 – 1.

The end-to-end match had one more moment to give before the final whistle. Handsworth were awarded a penalty with nine minutes remaining and despite Tadcaster’s Ally Hughes’ impressive game, substitute Bagley smashed the spot kick straight down the middle bringing the travelling fans one extra hoorah before the season’s close.4 - 2

In a remarkable finish to the season which sees the Brewers without defeat since mid February, the win sees Tadcaster secure fourth place in the league and set up a promotion play-off first round fixture at Sheffield FC next Saturday, Kick off 3.00 pm

Elsewhere in the league, Thackley survived thanks to a 90 minute equaliser against Eccleshill, Horbury shared the points with Frickley which was enough to keep them in the Premier Division and Bottesford beat League runners up Beverley 2 - 0. Albion Sports were 3-2 up against Golcar with 3 minutes normal time left on the clock only to conceed two more goals before the final whistle - they now join Wombwell in the relegation zone

Tony Howard Golf Man of the Match - Oliver Norman

And finally, an extra well-done to young Will Moore who took over the announcing duties from Robin Bailey during the game and delivered an enthusiastic and fine job in doing so.

Tadcaster: Hughes, Clarke Thompson, Marshall (40’ Owen), Shepherd, Pearson, Morris ©, Norman (64’ Brookes), Metcalfe (56’ Peltier), Cassama (55’ Kiwomya), Mulhearn, Johnson (46’ Green)

Report from Charlie Ashworth – Photographs from Keith Handley