Despite the persistent rain of recent days, the Referee gave the go ahead against the league leaders following the 10.30 am pitch inspection. Back in September the Brewers were well beaten 3 – 0 in the away fixture but this would be a totally different story.

Liversedge number 11, Kelan Swales, was the scorer of the game’s only goal just after the hour mark when a low cross fell to his feet and despite ferocious defending in the six-yard area, poked it home.

A rain hit pitch led to each team struggling to find a strong foothold in the game as each cancelled each other out for the majority of the first half. Both sides had optimistic early attempts from range yet neither was able to create anything clear-cut due to the impressive performances from the opposition defenders.

Billy Marshall was denied by keeper Jordan Porter early on, but Liversedge quickly responded with both Curtis Senior and Mike Morris coming to the rescue. Before long, it became apparent that the game was going to be a very hard-fought battle in the middle of the park and with half an hour on the clock there was still nothing to choose between The Brewers and their table-topping visitors.

Eventually, in the 36th minute Porter was made to work for the first time when Miguel Camassa’s deflected volley looked as though it was sneaking inside the near post until the keeper scrambled across the goal to tip the effort round the upright.

Minutes later, another Tadcaster chance came along, this time at the feet of Billy Marshall who tried and tried to put the ball past Porter but all three of his quickfire attempts were blocked by the highly alert Liversedge defence.

The second half started equally as even in the midfield as the Tadcaster midfielders did well to neutralise their opposite numbers. However, it was Liversedge who had the ball in the back of the net before offside was given against Antony Brown.

Around the hour mark, the deadline was broken. Kelan Swales slotting the ball from point blank range into the net despite the Tad defence throwing everything at the attack. 0-1

Marshall made way for Jayden – Clarke Thompson on the hour as Tadcaster fought on and fought hard for the remainder of the match. On 65 minutes Curtis Senior had a brilliant long-range attempt tipped over the bar by Porter whilst at the other end Barlow was denied by Hughes in a “one on one”. Olly Green’s effort became victim of the pitches uneven bobbles as it sailed over.

On 72 minutes it looked as though Albion might be awarded a penalty as ex Taddy defender Dan Hartley appeared to have handled the ball as a defence splitter came in from the right, but Referee Roberts would have none of it.

Olly Green came close again just before the full-time whistle, but it unfortunately was not to be for Tadcaster as the game ended 0-1in the league leaders’ favour.

The Brewers, who used all five substitutes in the second half, can hold their heads high after such a performance when every player gave his everything. Next Saturday they travel to Parkgate who are two places and four points below Tadcaster in the league.

Tony Howarth Golf Man of the Match - Curtis Senior

Tadcaster: Hughes, Pearson (82’ Billet), Senior, Shepherd © (76’ Porritt), Morris, Harris, Norman (83’ Kiwomya), Owen, Cassama (80’ Okoro), Marshall (65’ Clarke-Thompson), Green

Liversedge: Porter, Atkinson, Grant, Daly, Hartly, Walton, Donovan (77’ Wollerton), Stockdill ©, Brown, Dean (65’ Barlow), Swales (77’ Green)

Report from Charlie Ashworth – Photos Courtesy of Keith Handley