Toolstation NCEL League Cup
Tadcaster Albion 2-1 Albion Sports
Josh Greening scores the winner for Tadcaster. Picture: Ian Parker
Tadcaster Albion have a chance of emulating some of the NCEL’s greatest teams after reaching the League Cup.
Premier Division champions can become the first team to win the double since Farsley AFC in 2011. Alfreton Town, then managed by Chris Wilder, did it in 2002 and so did Hucknall Town in 1998.
Tadcaster face a tough test though as they have never beaten fellow finalists Cleethorpes Town.
They had to work to get through the semi-final as visiting Albion had several brilliant opportunities before former Thackley defender Lewis Morgan finally put them ahead with a long range strike.
The lead didn’t last long though as Tom Corner headed home from a corner, a set-piece that had been won after 16-year-old Albion Kyle Trennery had superbly turned Josh Greening’s volley around the post.
Trennery made some more good saves as Tadcaster stepped up a few gears in the second half.
The breakthrough came with 20 minutes remaining. Corner made the break and he crossed from the right-wing for Greening to have a simple tap-in.
Conor Sellars almost sealed it for Tadcaster, but Trennery was equal to him, ensuring Albion always had the hope of forcing extra-time. The Bradford-based side almost did when the ball crashed back off the crossbar.
Tadcaster Albion: Stevens, Barnett, Armstrong, Milne, Mycoe, Jono Greening, Baker, Beadle (Woodhead 52), Corner, Josh Greening, Black (Sellars 66). Subs unused: Clayton, Anderson.
Albion Sports: Trennery, Bradley (Maturine 83), Kaba, Morgan, Hussain (captain), Basi, Annor (Cunningham 69), O’Brign, Mathers (Hendrie 83), Habbib, Cusack. Subs unused: Basi, Eastwood.
Referee: Ian Johnston
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 201
Man of the match: Kyle Trennery (Albion Sports)
Bridlington Town 0-1 Cleethorpes Town
Cleethorpes Town have the chance to claim redemption from last year’s final after winning at Bridlington.
Cleethorpes will head to Garforth Town for the final against Tadcaster Albion on May 14th.
Jon Oglesby struck the winner on the stroke of half-time with a simple tap-in from Luke Mascall’s cross.
Cleethorpes held on, despite Tim Lowe receiving a second yellow card late-on.