Saturday saw yet another cup match for the Brewers, this time a visit from Northern League Two leaders Blyth Town, in the second round of the FA Vase.
Tadcaster were missing Dan Thirkell and Kieran Greenway and in goal was a last-minute replacement, Hiram Romero.

Blyth had the better of the initial exchanges but it was the home side who opened the scoring on 6 minutes when Lewis Stephens side footed Olly Norman’s cross beyond keeper Lewis Baker. 1 – 0.

Blyth tested the new keeper as they looked for a quick equaliser , Romero , diving well to his left. The pressure continued with Dan McDaid and Conor Qualter both blocking goal bound efforts. On 14 minutes Stephens tried his luck from an acute angle, the ball hitting the side netting.

Brandon Slater put Lee Waugh through on the Taddy goal on 16 minutes but he skied the shot. Romero then showed his class with a brilliant parry of Short’s goal bound effort and as the ball came straight out to Waugh, he again cleared the bar – a let off for the home team!

Romero again was in action on 27 minutes stopping a dangerous cross from the left flank whilst, at the other end, Olly Norman tried a 25 yarder which was no problem for Baker.
What was evident, however, was the lack of cover from Tadcaster to Blyth forays down the right flank and from such a move the visitors levelled the score on 31 minutes; Slater collected a pass some 12 yards out and showing great control flicked the ball onto his left foot before smashing it into the back of the net. 1 – 1.

Albion could not find a clear run through on the Blyth goal as the visitors doubled their advantage just before half time; Waugh latched onto a nod down from a long throw firing his team ahead with a low drive into the near corner. 1 – 2 on 43 minutes.

It was a better start from the home side as play resumed after the break with Sam Kay on for Stephens. On 50 minutes McDaid’s free kick was headed goalward by Luke Stewart from within the six-yard box but Baker was in exactly the right place. On 55 minutes the Taddy striker had another chance , this time on the end of Sam Kitchen’s penetrating cross but the header was agonisingly wide.

Blyth retaliated but Romero reacted well to get a hand on a low goal bound drive which looked destined for the far corner and then produced an even better stop pushing another excellent finish around the post.

Albion at last were getting into their stride with Declan Slater replacing Stewart and Norman producing some of his trademark runs down the flanks. A tiring Fatlum Ibrahimi dragged his shot wide on 71 minutes having dribbled beyond three Blyth defenders, whilst Norman, after good work from Joe Crosby, shot for goal but the ball was cleared.

With ten minutes left Crosby charged down the right flank before a pull back to Slater but again the shot found Baker ready and waiting. Norman had the last real chance of the match but the shot was off target.

So, Blyth moved into the draw for Round 3 of the FA Vase and if there is any consolation for Albion, they can now concentrate on the league. As losers in this game Taddy received prize money of £275

Next Saturday the Brewers travel to Eccleshill United who are two points ahead but having played four games more. Kick Off is at 3.00 pm.

Priory Vodka Man of the Match – Conor Qualter

Romero, Owen, McDaid ©, Qualter, Morris, Ibrahimi, Stewart (Slater), Kitchen (Greening), Stephens (Kay), Crosby, Norman . Subs Not Used; Ahmed, Hardcastle, Suttle (GK)

Report from John Clothier - Photos Courtesy of Craig Dinsdale