Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Nathan Turner and new Tadcaster Albion forward Josh Greening leap for the ball
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Words and pictures by James Grayson (@jamesAgrayson, @NonLeagueNorth)
Tadcaster Albion chief Paul Marshall declared himself happy with his side’s performance during the 3-0 defeat to Conference North side Bradford (Park Avenue) last night.
A first half goal from Avenue captain Nathan Hotte put the visitors ahead before second half strikes from trialist Danny Frost and Chib Chilaka sealed the win.
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division promotion hopefuls Taddy held their own for a large majority of the match and also had some good chances.
“It was a good performance and I’m very proud of them,” Marshall told Non League Yorkshire.
“They worked really hard and kept their shape really well and stopped a very good passing Bradford team for long periods.
“We probably should have gone 1-0 up with a Denny header from a great Josh Greening free kick.
“Then the first time we switched off, they went two against one against Josh Barratt and they scored.
“It’s just little lapses against quality opposition, but you wouldn’t have thought that they’re three leagues higher than us.
“The great thing is that it gave a lot of the lads a great fitness test because they had to work extremely hard like last week (against FC Halifax).”
Tadcaster Albion striker Calum Ward holds off his marker
Tadcaster started the game really well. New Tadcaster signing Josh Greening, brother of former Premier League midfielder Jonathan, got in behind Avenue’s defence – led by ex Taddy captain Ryan Qualter.
Greening struck his effort low and the strike was well-matched by a good save from new Avenue goalkeeper Tom Morgan.
Greening then crossed superbly from a free kick and Denny Ingram should have scored with a close range header.
That would have certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons, but Avenue survived and soon gained control close to half-time.
The home side allowed Martin Drury to roam freely down the left-wing and he passed to Hotte. Avenue’s skipper showed great feet and struck a low shot past Arran Reid.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce striker Danny Frost is on trial at Bradford (Park Avenue) and he scored their second goal in the 3-0 win at Tadcaster Albion
Avenue may have made a few changes at the interval, but that did not affect them. Substitute Chilaka sent a through ball for Shaw Lane Aquaforce forward Frost and the striker showed great composure when planting the ball in the net when Reid rushed.
Frost, a talismanic figure for Shaw Lane last season and the player who came to the fore when they clinched promotion on that dramatic night in April, is on trial at Horsfall Stadium and his good performance at Taddy will give him a chance of signing for Avenue.
Avenue finished the game strongly and Reid was needed on more than one occasion to keep them a bay.
He did concede once more, but only when Chilaka scored from close range.
Tadcaster Albion: Reid, Barratt, Rothel, Gallon, Milne, Ingram, Critchlow, Taylor, Ward, Thompson, Greening. Subs: Lawrie, Dhesi, Pepper, Gore, Smith, Woodhead, Bissett.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Morgan, Black, Drury, Turner, Qualter, Mallory, Baker, Hotte, Barraclough, Marshall, Walker. Subs: Miller, Hewitt, Price, Chilaka, Frost, Colbeck.
Referee: Mark Dywer (Castleford)