As the race for the Evo-Stik East play-offs intensifies, Tadcaster Albion welcome second place Pontefract Collieries to the i2i Stadium with three vital points up for grabs.

Taddy had no fixture last week and whether that was a blessing in disguise or a hindrance remains to be seen. However Simon Collins’ side are in a rich vein of form of late winning their last five on the spin whilst keeping three straight clean sheets in the process, a mean feat.
It’s sure to be a thrilling encounter to see out the month of March as Colls are arguably in greater form having lost just twice since October, a phenomenal record for their debut season at this level.

They were close to chalking another win off in midweek as they led Pickering Town 2-0 before the floodlights failed forcing the match to be abandoned. Their last loss was an eye-raising one as struggling Spalding United steamrolled their Yorkshire opponents 7-3 in South Lincolnshire back in January.

Another reason why this contest is so finely balanced is that the two leading goalscorers in the division are on show this afternoon. Albion’s Joe Lumsden looks to record his 20th league goal of the season with Colls’ Eli Hey leading the way in the Evo-Stik East having scored 22, 3 of which from the penalty spot so there’s an extra incentive for the strikers to perform.

The Brewers were victorious when the two sides met earlier in the season in September as goals from Lamin Colley and Aiden Savory handed them a 2-1 win over nine-man Ponte. This has turned out to be an even more impressive victory as the season has panned out with Sheffield FC the only one team to win at Beechnut Lane.

The last time Pontefract visited TAFC was in the NCEL back in 2015 as goals from Jimmy Beadle and Adam Baker sent Taddy top of the league before eventually going on to claim the title.

Team News: James Hodges to deputise in goal for Michael Ingham who is away with work. Corey Roper (ankle), Jack Walters (knee) & Josh Barrett (shoulder) all still side-lined. Will Annan and Aiden Savory should both be fit to start after shrugging off knocks. Luke Porritt should be available again. Jake Buckle is also away.

Don’t forget you can follow The Brewers on social media @TadcasterAlbion for all of the latest goals, highlights, news, interviews & more!
#ATAW