TADCASTER Albion secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Penistone Church thanks to goals from Olly Norman and Joe Crosby.

The Brewers were almost up to full strength apart from Charlie Owen, whilst Cody Collins, although not in the squad, was back in training.

The away score back in October was a resounding 3–1 defeat, since when Penistone had steadily climbed the league to seventh place, including wins against Campion and Thackley in their last two home outings.

It was a positive start from Albion. Crosby had a clear chance having picked up Dan Thirkell’s lob, but goalkeeper Harry Ambler was well-placed, whilst on 11 minutes Josh Hardcastle charged down the right flank but Elliot Holmes’ header was too high.

Norman was in the thick of things when he intercepted a break on the left and put Crosby through, but the shot cleared the bar.

Conor Qualter headed Ben Tweed’s free kick over whilst Penistone had their first real chance just after the mid-point of the first half - Joe Wilton diving low and taking an accidental kick in the head in the process.

Holmes headed wide of the far post from Tweed’s well placed cross and on 34 minutes the energetic mid fielder was clattered by Lennon O’Grady.

Taddy kept up the pressure as the interval beckoned; another run and cross from Hardcastle found Reece Ellington whose through ball to Crosby almost found the mark but for a well timed block .

It was an excellent opening forty-five for the Brewers but full marks to the defence from Penistone.

Tadcaster continued where they had left off. On 50 minutes Tweed’s pinpoint corner was picked up by Thirkell, but the shot was no problem for Ambler.

Ellington put Tweed through in the area but the shot was deflected to safety. Penistone broke away but a well-timed interception from Sam Kitchen kept them well away from the danger area.

On the hour Albion took the lead; a typical solo effort saw Norman burst into the box and from seven yards out, his left foot drive went through Ambler’s legs.

Albion looked to build on their advantage and after another powerful run and cross from Norman on 69 minutes, Crosby pounced on the loose ball and with a one-on-one, smashed it into the back of the net.

Luke Stewart replaced Norman just before Penistone reduced the deficit on 74 minutes. The visitors broke powerfully from defence and were awarded an indirect free kick inches beyond the eighteen-yard line - Nathan Keightley drilled a low shot almost under the wall into the near corner of the net. 2 – 1

Albion reacted bravely and continued to look for another goal. Holmes’ header was cleared off the line whilst Ellington found Crosby well-placed in the box, but the shot was wide.

Ibrahimi replaced Ellington in the dying moments of normal time, ditto Crosby made way for Nelson. Referee Tompkins announced a further six minutes of added time – the Taddy faithful held its breath!.

Penistone had a chance to equalise. Wilton made the save of the day to deny Keightley and from the ensuing short corner, the ball was crossed dangerously into the box but amazingly nobody from either side touched it! You could almost hear the sigh of relief from the terraces.

Next Tuesday Tadcaster are at home to Wakefield AFC in the quarter final of the County Cup (7.45pm).

Tadcaster Albion: Wilton, Hardcastle, John, Thirkell, Holmes, Qualter, Ellington (Ibrahimi), Kitchen, Crosby (Nelson), Tweed, Norman (Stewart).

Subs Not used: Cassius-Gill , Romero.