Calum Ward smashes Tadcaster Albion’s equaliser home from the penalty spot. Picture: Ian Parker
Calum Ward brought back Tadcaster Albion’s fight for FA Vase glory back to Yorkshire with the equalising penalty in the 1-1 draw with Highworth Town.
Tadcaster now face a quarter-final replay with Hellenic Premier Division side Highworth next Saturday at i2i Stadium.
Over 1000 fans are expected to turn out for the second instalment of the biggest game in their history.
Tadcaster fans travelled to Wiltshire in their droves with a huge fleet of buses leaving North Yorkshire on Saturday morning to cheer their side to victory.
The Tadcaster Albion team travelled to Wiltshire on Friday and stayed overnight. Picture: Ian Parker
Tadcaster were backed by a huge travelling following. Here they are celebrating Ward’s equaliser. Picture: Ian Parker
Josh Barrett’s progress is halted by a Highworth defender. Picture: Ian Parker
Tadcaster were the better side in the tie. Carl Stewart forced a good save from Highworth goalkeeper Gary Stevens in the first half.
The deadlock was eventually broken on the hour. Referee Lee Swabey harshly deemed that Tad goalkeeper Tom Morgan had played the ball, but fouled Callum Parsons when contesting an aerial ball.
The official wasn’t interested in listening to the protests and TJ Bohane stepped-up to steer the ball into his right-hand corner, despite Morgan’s best efforts.
Highworth must have started dreaming of the semi-finals, but Tadcaster responded straightaway as a barge on Carl Stewart saw a second spot kick awarded.
Ward smashed the penalty home by sending goalkeeper Gary Stevens the wrong way – the striker being the saviour from 12-yards for the second week running.
The game went to extra-time and Tadcaster almost nicked the win as Andy Milne’s header crashed against the crossbar.
Tadcaster Albion manager Paul Marshall:
“The objective was not to get beat and I thought the lads were absolutely outstanding because it was a battle in the second half and extra time.
“It was really tough, but we have dug in…so I’m chuffed to bits.
“it was awful conditions and I said at half-time that we want to win the game, but whatever happens, don’t lose the game.
“When you give the penalty away you start panicking, but we have great character and a never-say-die attitude.
“It will be a great replay next Saturday and it isn’t a given that we’ll win because we’re at home.
“Highworth have four or five good players that can cause you trouble.”
Tadcaster Albion: Morgan, Bissett, Barrett, Milne, Ingram, Ormsby, Thompson, Claisse, Ward, Stewart, Josh Greening. Subs: Lawrie, Sparkes, Patterson, Clarkson, Dhesi.
Referee: Lee Swabey
Attendance: 771