Despite the torrential rain earlier in the day the pitch was fine for the Brewers last game of the season and their last appearance (at least for a while) in the Northern Premier League East.

With Nathan Dyer and Jack Johnson still injured, it was a bonus to see Scott Smith back in the team. The visitors had three ex Taddy players in their squad – Joe Lumsden, ex-Captain Cody Cromack and Luke Hinsley.

Tadcaster started the game on the front foot but in the third minute it changed when Theo Hudson was floored by an elbow in the face from Cromack . When he eventually got to his feet it was clear he could not continue and soon Mariusz Bratkowski was on in his place.

Just past the quarter hour the visitors took the lead as they broke down the middle of the park - James Baxendale raced into space on the left flank and before Noah Wadsworth could intercept, launched an inch perfect ball over Josh Mazfari into the near corner of the net. 0 - 1.

Albion had a half chance on 25 minutes as Adam Porritt put Omar Sanyang through with just the keeper to beat but Allinson was quickly out to quell the danger. Tadcaster then had James Beaston to thank for a last-ditch challenge on Lumsden. On 38 minutes Sanyang was again away down the left flank but Clarke held firm.

What had been a fairly even contest, however, exploded in the final minutes of the half. With two minutes left Sanyang was shown a straight red card as he battled on the left. His opponent received a yellow whilst The Brewers were given the free kick!
A minute later Captain Dan Hartley received his marching orders for a 50:50 tackle as tempers rose.

Down to just nine men, The Brewers came out for the second half looking for the equaliser but inevitably left themselves open to the counter attack. On 56 minutes Pontefract doubled their tally; a throw in near the corner post was crossed into the box for Lumsden, he touched it to the incoming Spratt who blasted home from ten yards . 0 – 2.

A minute later it was Baxendale again. This time the visitors broke down the left and the number ten was there on the centre of the 18-yard line to lob the hapless Mazfari with no defenders near. 0 – 3.

Porritt had a go from well outside the box on the hour but hit it straight at Allinson whilst Pontefract had the ball in the net on 63 minutes but were clearly off-side. That said, they did not have to wait long for their fourth goal. On 66 minutes Tad were dispossessed in their own half , the ball slipped through to Baxendale who carefully slid it beyond the advancing Mazfari into the corner of the net. 0 – 4.

It was a long final twenty minutes but Mazfari ensured there would be no further goals for the visitors. On 75 minutes he made a point blank save from Turner in the six-yard area pushing the ball over the bar and then plucking the corner ball in the air from a packed box.

Bratkowski tried an opportunist effort from the half way line whilst Porritt’s through ball to Rafa Ferreira saw the ball blasted wide. Mazfari had the last say in proceedings saving a hard low effort in the final minute.

It was not a game for the faint hearted and probably fair to say that both players and supporters were relieved to hear the final whistle. . Nevertheless, of necessity playing the same squad (due to injuries) in recent matches, these players have been magnificent – a credit to the game. The fans showed their appreciation as they left the field.

Priory Vodka Man of the Match James Beaston

Mazfari, Smith, Wadsworth, Sharry, Beaston, Hartley ©, Ferreira, Porritt, Sanyang, Hudson (Bratkowski). Subs not Used, Johnson , Love

Report from John Clothier, Photos from Keith Handley