Former Tadcaster captain Ryan Qualter scored for Bradford (Park Avenue) in the West Riding County semi-final win
Bradford (Park Avenue) booked their place in the West Riding County Cup Final for a second time after having too much quality for Tadcaster Albion in the 4-0 win.
Avenue, who beat Tadcaster 3-2 last month in the original semi-final, were forced to replay the tie having played Alex Pursehouse.
The right-back was not eligible because he had not signed in time for the original fixture which was postponed because of fog.
However, Avenue’s claim that they had contacted the County FA and were given advice that he could play saved them from being thrown out.
Avenue could only name one substitute for the tie last night, but their starting line-up alone would be a formidable force in the Conference North.
A lesser-known star Steve Boothman, signed in January from Prescot Cables, set the game alight with a magnificent strike from 25 yards to set Avenue on their way.
The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division promotion hopefuls did match Avenue for a lot of the half and Calum Ward did force a good save out of John Danby.
But, Tadcaster conceded at the wrong time, deep into first half injury-time. Bootham’s corner was met by an unlikely source – the petite Richard Marshall – who buried the ball home with a bullet header.
The game was over at the start of the second half as former Tadcaster captain Ryan Qualter scored from a Marshall free kick.
Chib Chilaka rounded off the win by going around ex-Avenue goalkeeper Tom Morgan to add the fourth late-on.
Providing no more drama in the meeting rooms, Avenue will meet Garforth Town at Valley Parade in a repeat of the 2009 final.
The final is expected to be held on Wednesday April 15th.
Former Football League club Avenue have reached the final five times since their reformation in 1988, but have only won one of them.
Jim Mackay was Avenue’s manager when they last lifted the cup in 1991 following an extra-time 5-1 victory over Pontefract Collieries – ironically at Valley Parade.
Tadcaster Albion: Morgan, Bissett, Miller, Ormsby, Simpson, Milne, Thompson, Jonathan Greening, Ward (Barnett 79), Clarkson (Dhesi 63), Josh Greening. Subs unused: Ingram, Gore.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Danby, Lever, Howarth, Patterson, Qualter, Priestley, Colbeck (c), Boothman, Chilaka, Marshall, Walker. Sub unused: Ainge.
Referee: Ian Johnston
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 313
Man of the match: Steve Boothman (Bradford Park Avenue)