New Tadcaster Albion midfielder Liam Ormsby plays a pass
To see the complete set of match photos, visit our Facebook page HERE
Words and pictures by James Grayson (@jamesAgrayson, @NonLeagueNorth)
A hat-trick from former FC Halifax Town striker Jamie Rainford earned Gap Connah’s Quay a 3-2 win at Tadcaster Albion in the first part of their annual Yorkshire tour.
The Welsh Premier League side will head to Ossett Albion full of confidence this afternoon after Rainford completed his treble in the final stages.
Tadcaster had overturned a first half deficit to lead for at one point in the second 45 minutes – courtesy of goals from Nick Thompson and Danny Critchlow.
However, Rainford ensured his side started their weekend with a win and Tadcaster manager Paul Marshall: “The verdict was that they are a very good team.
“We were confused with different shapes and rotations they played.
“Their rotation was excellent. We struggled until the last 15 minutes of the first half.
“Then I thought we got into the game and created two great chances – one which was a great move between Nick Thompson, Joel Dixon and Mitch Hamilton.
“The goals were from good moves.
“In the second half we played well, but I just thought we tired a bit and they were fitter than us at the end.
“But there were a lot of positives to take from it.”
Tadcaster midfielder Joel Dixon rides Ricky Evans’ challenge in the 3-2 defeat to Gap Connah’s Quay
The Nomads could have easily blown Tadcaster away in the opening half hour.
The Tadcaster defence was undone by a through ball which sent striker Rainford away and he fired low past the on-rushing Aaron Reid.
Before the home side got to grips with their opponents, Craig Jones had an effort cleared off-the-line and James Colbeck fired a shot wide.
Tadcaster would enjoy their golden period midway through the second half as rain came down torrentially.
Veteran midfielder Terry Taylor, standing in at left-back, rolled back the years with a fine run forward. Taylor’s surge bamboozled the Nomads’ defence and his killer pass across goal gave influential club captain Nick Thompson an easy tap-in.
The home crowd really got behind their team and within minutes, Marshall’s men, who enjoyed a magnificent campaign last season, went in front.
A brilliant cross from the right-wing was matched by the movement of Critchlow whose exquisite header found the bottom corner.
Could Taddy hold on and beat one of the top sides in Wales? Unfortunately not.
Former FC Halifax Town striker Jamie Rainford hit a hat-trick for Gap Connah’s Quay in the 3-2 win at Tadcaster Albion
Connah’s Quay were powerful going forward and when Ricky Evans crossed the ball into the six-yard box, Rainford was never going to miss.
And with minutes remaining, Rainford scored the pick of his goals with superb powerful finish from 12 yards.
That the last real act of an excellent friendly – the penultimate one for Taddy who kick off the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division season with the eagerly-anticipated home game with Shaw Lane Aquaforce next Saturday.
Tadcaster Albion: Reid, Barratt, Taylor, Dickson, Milne, Pepper, Greening, Ormsby, Stewart, Thompson, Hamilton. Subs: Ward, Lawrie, Dhesi, Hope, Critchlow, Banks, Smith.
Gap Connah’s Quay: McCormick, McGregor, Horan, McIntyre, Jones, Burns, Evans, Colbeck, Rainford, Rowlands, Parle. Subs: Holden, Riley, Rowntree, Stanton, Murphy.
Referee: Mick Connell
Man of the match: Jamie Rainford (Gap Connah’s Quay)