Toolstation NCEL League Cup
Cleethorpes Town 3-2 Tadcaster Albion
Cleethorpes Town celebrate winning the Toolstation NCEL League Cup after beating Tadcaster 3-2
Evo Stik bound Tadcaster Albion were unable to complete the double as triumphant Cleethorpes Town claimed redemption for 12 months ago.
Jon Oglesby’s late goal proved to be the difference in a see-saw finale to the Toolstation Northern Counties East League season. The winner, which also made up for last year’s collapse against Handsworth Parramore, ensured that the Owls maintained their unbeaten record against the Premier Division champions.
It was a superb end to a difficult campaign for the league, arguably its annus horribilis. The day was massively helped by the magnificent turnout of over 400 people at the J.S. White Community Stadium – the home of Garforth Town.
Tadcaster had seven key players missing and were forced to play winger Conor Sellars at right-back and attacker Josh Barrett at centre-half. The situation did stop them being at the fore-front of a fast-paced final though.
The champions had fire in their bellies from the very start and deserved to break the deadlock when Josh Greening lashed home in trademark fashion from Tom Corner’s headed flick-on in the 23rd minute. It had been coming as Tadcaster had created numerous chances prior.
Tadcaster defender Gregg Anderson challenges for the ball
Josh Greening peels after breaking the deadlock
More than 400 people turned out for the Toolstation NCEL League Cup at Garforth Town. Picture: Ian Parker
Marcus Newell’s (second half) Cleethorpes were seeking to win the trophy, 12 months after the dramatic collapse against Handsworth Parramore
Tadcaster equalised through Carl Stewart, after falling 2-1 behind. Picture: Ian Parker
Cleethorpes celebrate Jon Oglesby’s winner
Tadcaster appeal for a corner as they search for an equaliser
The officials: Sam Barrott (fourth official), Ricky Taylor, Kelvin Sarsfield (referee) and Paul Bell
Gregg Anderson leads the applause for Tadcaster’s travelling support
Tadcaster players watch Cleethorpes collect their medals and the trophy
Toolstation NCEL chairman David Morrall presents Cleethorpes captain Alex Flett with the trophy
Cleethorpes captain Alex Flett lifts the Toolstation NCEL League Cup trophy
The goal only served to spark Cleethorpes into life as Marcus Newell’s men hit back instantly. Young debutant goalkeeper Charlie Murphy initially kept them at bay with a smart save from deadly Owls striker Marc Cooper. Murphy was unable to prevent Luke Mascall’s long range attempt from nestling in the bottom corner though.
Cleethorpes began laying siege to Tadcaster’s goal and the Brewers were soon undone again. Good work down the left opened the door and the move ended with Brody Robertson scoring from just inches out.
Cleethorpes seemed in control and extremely likely to grab a killer third as the second half wore-on. That was the thought-track until a rare mistake let Carl Stewart in. The striker then struck the ball hard and low past Liam Higton to equalise for Tad.
The Owls came back at Tad with another serious assault and Oglesby put them on the brink of the winners enclosure with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area. Murphy kept Tadcaster in it with a brilliant save soon after as the nerves began to begin for the travelling Cleethorpes fans.
Deja-vu must have been in their heads as Tadcaster launched their final attack, especially when Brewers had a very strong penalty appeal turned down as the seconds ticked down. The referee’s decision to wave away the claims were effectively the last act, ensuring Cleethorpes could celebrate, 12 months later than planned.
Tadcaster Albion manager Billy Miller:
Cleethorpes Town: Higton, Lowe, Winn, Dickens, Bloomer, Wressel, Mascall (Winfarrah 82), Flett (captain), Cooper, Robertson (Trott 90), Oglesby. Subs unused: Richardson, McKay.
Tadcaster Albion: Murphy, Sellars, Armstrong, Barrett, Anderson, Mycoe, Baker (Chigumira 72), Beadle (captain) (Woodhead 58), Josh Greening, Corner, Stewart (Casey Stewart 85). Sub unused: Romario.
Referee: Kelvin Sarsfield
Ref Rating: 7/10
Attendance: 423
Man of the match: Charlie Murphy (Tadcaster Albion)
The full album of match photos will be uploaded to our Facebook page around midday.