WORDS of wisdom got Tadcaster Albion back on the promotion trail from the Northern Counties East League first division.

The Albion ranks struggled in the first half against visiting Pontefract Collieries on a fast-drying pitch worsened by a billowing wind and went into the half-time break a goal down.

Manager Jim Collis stressed to his men the importance of getting to the ball quicker so as to be able to get control of the game and from the re-start the plan worked like a dream.

Tadcaster seized command buoyed by a wonder goal from Rob Youhill, who waltzed past four markers before cutting in from the left to rattle an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner for the equaliser.

Soon after, Dale Waddington's corner bounced fortuitously for Andy Battersby to smash in and the industrious Steve Ward was rewarded for his efforts with a drive that whistled high into the net to seal a 3-1 win.

That puts Albion in fourth place, just six points off leaders and title favourites Carlton, but within a point of third-placed Gedling, who have to play Carlton in next weekend's last round of fixtures.

Albion, who host Nottinghamshire-based side Teversal, could yet ease into a promotion place if they win and other results are favourable. Said Collis: "It's still all to play for, so we'll give it a good go."

Updated: 10:36 Monday, April 24, 2006