Tadcaster Albion 2 Marine 1

This was the first time the two sides had met in a league encounter, Marine having been relegated from the Northern Premier last season after 40 consecutive years. Tad had three new signings on the bench but the anticipated debut of Alfie Beestin did not happen as International clearance was still awaited. Marine also boasted three new signings – Aboubacar Gassama joined from Ararat Yereven (Armenia) whist Max Broughton and Daniel Hawkins were on loan from Salford.

After a tentative start from both teams, the first opportunity fell to Jake Day but at the second attempt his shot to the far corner lacked power and was an easy take for keeper Shamel George. Marine were forced into an early substitution as James Branigan limped off to be replaced by Rumenic Barai.

With play now more end to end, Day seized on a week back pass but George got there first and to throw the Marine defence into a little consternation Donald Chimalilo and Kevin Santos swapped wings. Chamalilo was hacked down by Solomon-Davies but was soon at Marine throats again as he unleashed an 18 yarder on 20 minutes which cleared the cross bar. Michael Ingham intercepted a dangerous cross from Kenny Strickland

The Mariners had not really threatened the Tadcaster goal and it was a surprise on 28 minutes when they opened the scoring; - The Brewers failed to clear an attack down the right flank and when the cross came in Strickland struck with deadly efficiency from 18 yards. 0 – 1
Immediately Taddy went looking for the equaliser but when Santos found Ioan Evans in the box, the big defender’s shot needed more power - an easy take for the keeper. The influential Strickland combined well with Broughton who beat the offside trap but the pass to Cummins was cleared.

With seven minutes of the half remaining the hosts levelled; Jake Day got on the end of a free kick and nodded the ball down to Chimalilo – in a split second “DC” collected the ball moved it onto his right foot and curled a beauty into the top corner of the net from 12 yards. 1 – 1.
Lindfield tried a long range opportunist effort as Marine regrouped but it was way off target. At the other end Day put Casey Stewart away but the return ball was a whisker too far for the big man. Miley headed clear from Jack Walters free kick following a foul by Broughton on Alex Wiles. Evans had a good chance just before the half time whistle as he headed wide from Walter’s corner. John Lufudu , again excelling as the right wing back, was starting to cause problems on the overlap as Referee Powell brought the half to an end.

A pulsating first half – honours even entirely appropriate!

New signing Silas Valladolid- Collins replaced Kevin Santos for the restart but Tadcaster could have been in trouble as Marine were awarded an early free kick just beyond the 18 yard line when Andy Milne was adjudged to have nudged his opponent in the back -Lindfield’s free kick was easily cleared as The Brewers took the game to their visitors.

On 51 minutes Chimalilo played a one – two with Collins but there was a chance to shoot before the final pass was cleared . Stewart put Lufudu away for a long run down the right flank through to the by-line and a stinging shot at the keeper. Walters took the ensuing corner finding Day at the far post but George was again well placed. Chimalilo got on the end of Stewarts pinpoint cross but was robbed as he teed up his shot

Marine’s Solomon-Davies hammered a low ball in from the right flank but somehow Ingham was down ready seeing it late through a crowded six-yard box and making a phenomenal one handed save – instinctive goalkeeping!. Chimalilo, beating the offside trap, cut the ball back to Valladolid-Collins on the edge of the box but he blasted it over with 25 minutes to go.

On 72 minutes Broughton twice denied real scoring opportunities; Evans powerful header looked like making it three in three matches for the defender but Broughton cleared it off the line and when Walters thundered the clearance back at goal, with George out of place, there was the Salford loanee to head it away.

It seemed inevitable that the Brewers would take the lead and on 75 minutes Jake Day duly obliged – the striker collected a good pass from Valladolid-Collins, chested it down and launched a rocket into the far corner – great to see the big man rediscovering his prowess in front of goal. 2 – 1

It was a frantic end to the match as Marine tried to claw back a goal – tempers were frayed as Cummins and Strickland were carded and Chimalilo also went into the referee’s book. Wiles came off worse in a crunching 50:50 tackle and was still hobbling after the finish of the game.

Ingham foiled a late attack with a very high take from Solomon-Davies as Marine powered forward, Lycett cleared another Taddy attack as Day marauded close to the line and Marine sub Ethan Devine put the ball out of the ground right at the end.

A fascinating match and superb performances from both sides. The points move Tadcaster up to seventh in the league but with at one game in hand on most of the other teams

Tadcaster next host Northern Premier South Shields in the Integro League Cup next Tuesday. K.O. 7.45 pm

Attendance 307

Ingham, Lufudu, Walters, Mbeka, Evans, Milne, Chimalilo, Wiles, Day, Stewart (Rose) Santos (Valladolid-Collins). Subs Not Used; Pattinson, Olaosun. Burn (GK)

Report and Photos Courtesy of John Clothier