Tadcaster Albion striker Carl Stewart scored twice in the 2-2 draw with Athersley
Paul Marshall believed Toolstation NCEL Premier Division leaders Tadcaster Albion did enough to beat Athersley Recreation, but was satisfied with a point after a poor opening half hour, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Just like the Garforth Town match two weeks ago, Tadcaster fell behind early on due to a wonder strike – this time from Athersley striker Joe Thornton.
Promotion-chasing Taddy had to wait until two minutes into the second half to hit back. A handball by Scott Alcock saw a penalty given which Carl Stewart converted.
Stewart then raced through to fire Albion ahead before Athersley’s talismanic captain Ryan White equalised to ensure the sides had to settle for a draw.
With second-placed Barton not in action, Taddy’s lead at the top was extended to six points and manager Marshall said: “After the first 30 minutes it is probably a point gained, but then after the next 50 minutes it is two points dropped.
“They put a lot of effort in did Athersley. It was a great goal. That’s two wonder goals we have had against us – Garforth, top corner, Athersley, top corner. Normally they go over the bar, but both of them have flown in the top corner.
“But we showed great character. I thought for the last 15 minutes of the first half we got on top and with them not playing for a month I thought they would tire, which I think they did.
“Once we had gone 2-1 up after Carl had missed that other one-on-one which would have wrapped it up, I think we just switched off a little bit.
“Every team in this league is capable of scoring and they got a good goal from the midfielder – the captain. It is disappointing because overall we probably just about deserved it. But after the first 30 minutes I would have taken a point.
“We got better as the game went on and we just threw it away. We’re still unbeaten (in four games) and it is another point to our total.”
Tempers did fray at times, but referee Andy Smith handed out only two yellow cards
For a team that had not played since the 22nd January, Athersley made an excellent start. Striker Joe Thornton’s tremendous volley from the edge of the box flew into the top corner with goalkeeper Arran Reid helpless to prevent the goal.
Taddy continued to struggle and Lee Bennett went close with a distance shot before the home side became to exert some pressure towards half-time. Taddy would have equalised if goalkeeper Shaun Penn had not being in top form.
Stewart made a great run down the right and his cross in front of goal was scrambled away from the six yard box, only for it to fall to Calum Ward. The young striker, who has made a number of headlines this season, unleashed a stinging effort which seemed destined for the top corner until Penn dived to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Athersley Recreation players protest after having a penalty awarded against them
Taddy were then lucky to escape without conceding again before half-time as Adam White wasted a glorious chance after being played through and the visitors were made to rue the miss.
Within just 120 seconds of the second half beginning, Alcock was deemed to have handled the ball and referee Andy Smith awarded the penalty. Stewart scored and suddenly Taddy were back in the game and looking very dangerous.
Stewart missed a one-on-one before redeeming himself minutes later on the hour. Ward’s superb pass sent the prolific goal-scorer away and he made no mistake as Penn rushed out.
Some thought the job was done, but despite how tired they were, Athersley were never going to throw the towel in – and against the run of play, the Barnsley-based side hit back.
Club captain Ryan White scored Athersley Recreation’s equaliser
Bennett’s incisive pass from the edge of the box laid played captain White into a scoring position and the former Ossett Albion player kept his composure to score in front of the noisy away supporters.
Tadcaster were nearly caught out again within minutes. Bennett raced through as Taddy’s defence opened up and only a fine save from Reid denied him from putting Athersley ahead for the second time.
The scare made Taddy tighten up at the back and for the last 15 minutes, the home side dominated and threw the kitchen sink at Athersley. The visitors sat back and waited to cause problems on the counter attack.
Youngster Mitch Hamilton, whose father Mark was a popular player for Farsley Celtic and Harrogate Town, among others, almost scored the winner for Taddy from close range, but his effort fell just wide.
Defender Jamie Williamson then had a header cleared off the line by Adam White as Athersley hung on to earn a deserved point – much to manager Pete Goodlad’s delight.
He said: “It shows the character of the team. We have always been known as a ‘never-say-die’ team and I think we proved that we are quite capable of handling this league and playing against the best.
“Nobody has turned us over this year. We got back in the game more-or-less straightaway at 2-2 and I think we thoroughly deserved a point, if not more.
“Overall if you look at chances, we could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up early doors, but I’m happy with a point because before the game I would have probably took that with going to the league leaders.
“It was the first game we have had for four weeks and some of the lads were towing towards the end. We could have edged it for three, but I’m happy though with a point and the team performance.”
Tadcaster Albion: Reid, Barrett, Bissett, Batley (Hamilton 80), Williamson, Ingram, Thompson, Taylor (Hope 90), Ward, Stewart (Critchlow 84), Rice. Subs unused: Sparkes, Lawrie.
Athersley Recreation: Penn, Alcock, Cook, Blackburn, Briscoe, R White, Scargill (Hodgson 70), A White, J Thornton (Bentley 70), Bennett, Hydes (M Thornton 75).
Referee: A Smith (Castleford)
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 212
Man of the match: Lee Bennett (Athersley Recreation)
Match Photos are HERE