Long-awaited Tadcaster return ends in goalless stalemate with strugglers Winterton
TADCASTER Albion finally played their first match of 2025 - which ended in a goalless draw with strugglers Winterton Rangers.
It was a relief at last for Tadcaster to start their second half of the season after the floods and frozen pitch had resulted in New Year cancellations.
It was an experienced team who travelled to second from bottom Winterton, with the strongest bench thus far comprising Junayd Cassius Gill, Andrew Shepherd, James Knowles, Elliot Holmes and Steve Smith.
From the whistle, Albion threw everything at their hosts, Oli Norman just clearing the bar whilst on the right flank Luca Bolino was causing all manner of problems.
Kieran Greenway’s shot was cleared, before on six minutes Rangers had their first foray into the Brewers half only to be denied by Sam Green.
On 12 minutes Greenway fed the ball to Elliott Andrew in the box but ex-Taddy goalkeeper Ryan Musslewhite was well-positioned for the shot.
Fatlum Ibrahimi gave away a free-kick but the long-range conversion was watched safely by Green.
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Norman continued to pressurise the home defence down the left despite some really tough tackles, whilst at the midway stage of the half, Bolino looked to be through before a final challenge in the box.
Sam Kitchen’s 25-yarder was an easy take for Musslewhite whilst on 28 minutes a strong Greenway burst into the 18-yard area and saw a defence splitting pass to Andrew just cleared before the Taddy striker could convert.
Winterton's shot-stopper had no problems with Norman’s long-range effort whilst thwarting a goal bound volley from Andrew minutes later.
As half-time beckoned, Green did well to clear a rare attack from Winterton, whilst at the other end Musslewhite refused to be beaten by a goalbound shot from Norman. Andrew’s effort just before the whistle was wide.
A frustrating opening half from the Brewers who could not convert any of the chances in the opposition box.
Winterton resumed with a more determined plan of action. After a scuff in the box by Andrew, there was an altercation between Ibrahimi and McCaffrey resulting in yellows for both players.
The hosts were making better use of the long ball but Taddy continued good one touch play, albeit with the same problem in the opposition’s box.
Nathan Heaton tried a long-range lob on 62 minutes which narrowly cleared the bar.
Heaton was clattered by a dangerous tackle as the game entered its final phase, but he recovered in time to almost break the deadlock, his shot deflected just wide.
Shepherd had another chance but the shot was off target. Heaton turned provider on 84 minutes but Smith’s shot was straight at Musslewhite.
Luca Bolino and Kieran Greenway battle for possession for Tadcaster Albion in their 0-0 draw at Winterton Rangers. (Image: John Clothier) In added time, Tadcaster had arguably their best chance for all three points when a pinpoint corner from Greenway cleared the defence to the far post but Holmes, under considerable pressure from two defenders, headed the ball onto the outside of the post.
It ended all square, thanks in no small way to a brilliant display from Musslewhite.
With Bottesford winning at home against Eccleshill and Knaresborough likewise at home to high flying Thackley, Tadcaster remain in 14th position in the league table.
Next Saturday, the Brewers travel to Rotherham to take on Parkgate, who are one place, but four points ahead in the league (3pm).
TADCASTER ALBION: Green, Owen, Wilson (Knowles), Thirkell (Holmes), Heaton, Ibrahimi (Shepherd), Bolino (Cassius-Gill), Kitchen, Andrew, Greenway, Norman (Smith)
