Tadcaster Albion 1 - 5 Runcorn Linnets (9th October 2021)

The Brewers were back in action in the FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round at the Global Stadium against Runcorn Linnets following a two-week break.

Tadcaster started the game on the back foot. The visitors’ intentions were clear mustering two chances in the first five minutes, the first, volleyed wide of the target, the latter saved well by Ally Hughes, making his second start this season in the Taddy goal.

With less than ten minutes played Runcorn led. Ryan Brooke got free at the back post and met Iwan Murray’s free kick finding the top corner with his powerful header. 0-1.

It went from bad to worse for the Brewers. In the 18th minute Joe Wilkinson tripped Brooke in the box, the referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Jaques Welsh who put the visitors two to the good. 0-2.

Tadcaster initially responded well to going two down. Des Amponsah who had looked bright for Tad, played a one-two with Donald Chimalilo, continued into the box and curled an effort off the foot of the post - the rebound fell to the skipper Simon Russell whose shot was cleared off the line. A desperately unlucky moment for Tad.

Less than a minute later Taddy put together another slick move; good approach play on the edge of the box nearly turned into a chance, however, Russell just could not get onto the pass into the box as Jo Young in the away goal came out and smothered the ball.

26 minutes in and it was three, almost a carbon copy of the first. Murray again with a free kick to the back post and on the end of it again was Brooke to head past Hughes, the only difference being the free kick was on the other flank. 0-3.

Just over five minutes before the interval Runcorn got their fourth, Rhain Hellawell cut inside from the left and curled an effort into the top corner.

The visitors had put themselves into an unassailable lead by half time making the second half a real uphill struggle for Tadcaster.

Andy Monkhouse’s side came out much better after the break, pressing and getting amongst Runcorn, trying to force the issue. Russell tested Young in the 49th minute with a low drive from the edge of the box but the keeper took it comfortably.

On the hour mark Tad pulled one back, a goal their second half display deserved. Marco Basic won himself a free kick on the left and delivered a ball which found its way in at the back post without needing a touch from anyone in the 18-yard box.

The Brewers almost scored again, with 15 minutes to play, another Basic free kick from the left caused chaos in the box, but following a goal mouth scramble which somehow did not end in a goal, Runcorn cleared.

87 minutes in, with their first attempt of the second half Runcorn added their fifth, Eden Gumbs the scorer driving his shot past Hughes.

A much better showing from Tadcaster in the second half but ultimately the game was won at half time.

Next up for Tad is an important league fixture at the Global Stadium against 16th placed Bridlington Town, kick off at 3pm.

Hughes, Vieira, Omolokun, Wilkinson (Sass), Burton, Roper (Ejupi), Russell, Basic, Amponsah, Church (Norman), Chimalilo.

Subs not used: Davison-Hale, Giliga.

Report from Olly Wood - Photos Courtesy of Keith Handley