THE toughest test of a thrilling season lies in store for Tadcaster Albion tomorrow.

Manager Paul Marshall takes his high-flying side to the Throstle Nest base of Northern Counties East League premier division leaders Farsley.

Fifth-placed Albion boast a record of only one defeat in their 14 league games, but Marshall is expected a serious examination of his side tomorrow.

“It’s a massive game at Farsley,” said Marshall.

“They lost two games in a row, against Maltby Main and Nostell, but then went to Brighouse on Tuesday night and won 6-1.

“It would have been nice to go there without them picking up a big win like that, but now it will be a tough game.

“If we can go there and not get beaten, that would be great, just to keep our run going. We are unbeaten in 12 league games and fifth is a nice position to be in.

“We wanted to be competitive after coming up last season – and we certainly are being competitive.”

Marshall was forced to make six changes for the midweek trip to Nostell and he was delighted to see his side hit back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3.

“We are proving very difficult to beat,” he said. “It shows great strength of character from a side with a lot of young lads in it.”

Albion striker Rob Pell is still unavailable, while injuries rule out Danny Farthing, Matt Howgate and Tosh Reid.

Dave Hartas is also a doubt after damaging ankle ligaments during a freak slip on some steps at Nostell.

Former York City youth team skipper Nick Thompson returns after suspension and captain Andrew Dawson should return after missing the midweek draw through work commitments.

Youngsters Stuart Rice, Andy Sunley and Tom Woollard are all poised to continue in the side after impressing Marshall in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Albion’s reserves are likely to be given the all-clear play on the club’s Ings Lane pitch tomorrow despite recent flooding.

Marshall said: “The pitch has dried out now and, as long as we don’t have any more downpours, it should be okay for the reserves tomorrow and then for our home game against Maltby in the League Cup on Tuesday.”

• An evening with Leeds United legend Eddie Gray will be staged at Tadcaster Albion’s Ings Lane ground tonight, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £20 and include a pie and peas supper, and are available on the door.