Jimmy Beadle scored and missed a penalty in Tadcaster’s 2-0 win over Pontefract
Tadcaster Albion had to slog it out to earn a 2-0 victory over an improving Pontefract Collieries side to go back to the top of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division table.
Jimmy Beadle’s first half goal set Tadcaster up for the three points and Adam Baker sealed the win in the closing stages.
Beadle also had a penalty saved by Pontefract goalkeeper Craig Parry, who walked off with huge credit for some key stops that kept his side in the game.
Tadcaster’s victory meant that Nick Handley could not enjoy a perfect start in his first game in sole control of Pontefract.
Handley, now without his departed joint manager Duncan Bray, watched on as his side almost silenced the home support inside the opening 60 seconds.
Tadcaster got caught out on the counter attack and Aaron Moxam found himself bearing down on Gary Stevens in the home side’s goal.
Moxam squared the ball across the six-yard-box and Liam Radford somehow blazed the ball over the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.
The Brewers then had a further scare as Stevens was forced to deny Max Leonard.
Pontefract Collieries manager Nick Handley was officially in sole charge for the first time
The first half wasn’t pretty and Tadcaster’s opener on the half-hour mark was against the run of play. Josh Barrett broke down the right-wing and crossed for Beadle to smash the ball home from close range.
The same players were involved for the penalty nine minutes into the second half. Pontefract captain Nigel Danby’s late challenge on Barrett resulted in a spot kick, but Parry guessed correctly to save Beadle’s attempt and keep his side in the game.
Because of the solitary goal, Pontefract had brief glimpses where an equaliser was possible. Mark Whitehouse made Stevens make a save and Jordan Armstrong also had to clear a chance off-the-line.
At the other end, Pontefract’s popular left-back Josh Corbett did the same to a Matt Heath header.
Ultimately it was Tadcaster’s night and in injury-time, Baker sped through on goal after Pontefract lost possession and drilled the ball past Parry to seal the points.
Tadcaster Albion: Stevens, Armstrong, Clayton, Miller, Heath (captain), Claisse, Barrett, Beadle, Baker, Conway (Mycoe 79), Greening (Black 79). Subs unused: Milne, Beestin, Woodhead.
Pontefract Collieries: Parry, Heeley, Corbett, Danby, Staley, Forgione, Leonard, Joseph (Williams 66), Radford (Jerome 70), Moxam, Whitehouse (Riley 79). Sub unused: Lumb.
Referee: Luke Watson
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 276
Man of the match: Craig Parry (Pontefract Collieries)
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