Tadcaster Albion manager Paul Marshall has praised former York City apprentices Nick Thompson and Ryan Qualter for their impact on the Ings Lane club.

Marshall recruited the two teenagers after their release from Bootham Crescent at the end of last season.

Midfielder Thompson captained the under-18 Minstermen team that finished second in last season’s Football Youth Alliance League’s North-East Conference while Qualter was a key member of that side at centre-back.

Both players have since helped the Brewers become North Yorkshire’s Northern Counties East League premier division top dogs with just one defeat in their opening nine games.

Albion are currently sixth and will move up another two places if they win their games in hand following a seven-match unbeaten run capped by three straight victories.

Thompson received a harsh red card during Tuesday night’s 4-2 home victory over Brighouse Town after picking up a dubious second caution for deliberate handball but will be available for tomorrow’s home match with Winterton Rangers before serving his one-match ban.

Defender Qualter might need to be patient after a one-game absence saw him lose his slot, but Marshall has handed out plaudits to both and believes their presence has also helped to boost attendance figures.

The Albion chief said: “Ryan missed a Saturday game against Bridlington and Danny Farthing came back in and did well, so I have left the centre-halves alone but that was a tough decision because he has been outstanding. Nick has been brilliant in the centre of midfield too.

“I love giving young lads a chance and they both have brilliant attitudes. They are strong in the air and just want to play football.

“I think the players we have brought in from York have also helped with crowds because we are getting three-figure gates for every game at the moment.”

Tom Woollard is the only absentee for Tadcaster due to work and Marshall is keen for his team to keep on the coat-tails of leaders Farsley.

He added: “Nobody here is under any pressure as Farsley look like winning the league and taking the only promotion spot comfortably. All the pressure is on them and I am looking forward to playing them at the end of November.

“I also have the same aim as when we started the campaign – to be competitive in every game and not get rolled over by anyone. We haven’t been so far. I don’t think we will.”

Pickering Town, unbeaten in four away games, travel to mid-table rivals Arnold Town tomorrow while Selby, who have taken just one point from a possible 12, go to bottom-of-the-table Liversedge.

Thirteen-goal premier division top scorer Nathan Cartman will provide the biggest threat when Scarborough Athletic host Brighouse Town.

Harrogate Town will be hoping to avoid a fourth straight defeat at Worcester City in the Blue Square Bet North and bottom-of-the-table Harrogate Railway face a tough test at second-placed Witton Albion in the Evo-Stik’s first division north.