Tadcaster Albion 2 Ashton United 2 Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round

The Brewers entertained Northern Premier League Ashton United in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. Conditions were perfect - Tadcaster had on loan keeper David Robson between the sticks in the absence of Michael Ingham whilst John Lufudu made a welcome return filling the gap at right back following Josh Barrett’s red card the previous weekend

Taddy dominated the opening 12 minutes and could have bagged goals in the process; Alex Wiles put Donald Chimalilo away down the right flank but Jonathon Margetts miscued the cut back from the edge of the box, Margett’s headed over a precision free kick from Jake Rose, Casey Stewart was almost through to a one on one with keeper Jon Worsnop and finally Chimalilo just over stretched as he closed in again from a Margetts through ball.
John Lufudu in his first game at right back looked comfortable and was getting forward at every opportunity.

Having withstood the storm Ashton were getting into the game with Chris Rowney’s effort cleared only so far as the waiting Steve Tames who handballed in the process. John Pritchard sent over an almost perfect free kick but it cleared everybody. Sam Sheridan’s shot from the 18-yard line was wide.

The Brewers took the lead on 29 minutes when Kevin Santos collected Margetts through pass and rounded Worsnop before rolling the ball into an empty net. In was the first goal for the club from the Portuguese. 1 – 0

The Robins looked for an immediate response; Hughes speculative effort was deflected for a corner, whist Rowney’s cross was just over the bar.

A one goal advantage was deserved at the interval but the visitors had certainly showed enough class to ensure the match was far from over!

Ashton had the ball in the net on 47 minutes from Pritchard’s corner but referee Howard signalled for offside – nevertheless a timely warning for the home side. On the hour mark Rowney met a long throw from Curtis Obeng but just as he was about to unleash his shot, Lufudu’s timely interception proved decisive. Margetts was showing his prowess in defence as Taddy soaked up goal mouth pressure from their visitors

Just as Lebrun Mbeka replaced Jake Rose just beyond the hour mark, Ashton made the breakthrough; Sheridan’s 30 yard free kick was not cleared and Luca Havern headed home from close range. 1-1

A minute later The Brewers were back in front as Ioan Evans met Margetts cross and thundered his header into the corner of the net – his second goal in as many matches. 2 – 1

The lead lasted just 8 minutes as Ashton pounded the box and again as Tadcaster failed to clear the danger Hughes was presented with a simple nod in . 2 – 2

Curtis Woodhouse made a quick double substitution with Day and Rogerson replacing Chimalilo and Margetts.

Hughes curling cross went begging with ten minutes left on the clock whilst the experienced Worsnop was immense in thwarting Jake Day who fired for home from ten yards out after a great pass from Stewart. Stewart then looked to have broken the deadlock but somehow Havern got in the way of his goal bound effort. Moments later Havern unfortunately had to be helped to the side lines effectively leaving the visitors down to 10 men for the final minutes of the match.

Right at the death, hearts were in mouths as Stewart threaded the ball to Kain Rogerson on his left – the midfielder took the ball around Worsnop but shot into the side netting – the assistant referee had flagged for offside but it was a moment for the Taddy faithful!

Ans so it’s back to Hurst Cross next Tuesday for the replay KO 7.45 pm. It will be interesting to see who the eventual winners will play in Monday’s draw for Round 2!

Robson (GK), Lufudu, Walters, Rose (Mbeka), Evans, Milne, Chimalilo (Rogerson), Wiles, Margetts (Day), Stewart, Santos, Subs not used; Rollinson, Burn
Report and photos from John Clothier