THERE was no happy homecoming for Paul Marshall as his Pickering Town team lost 4-1 on his return to former club Tadcaster Albion in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Josh Greening started the onslaught at Ings Lane with a tap in before two Jimmy Beadle spot kicks and a neat finish by Adam Baker all but ended the contest soon after the half hour mark.

It was a result that sent the Brewers back to the top of the table and they broke the deadlock after only 11 minutes as Josh Barrett's cross took a slight deflection and fell nicely for Greening, who merely had to slot home.

Barrett and Baker were causing chaos on the wings while Beadle, playing in a more advanced position, nearly made it two when whizzing a shot only narrowly over the crossbar.

Beadle didn't have to wait long to hit the net, however. On 20 minutes, it was 2-0.

Baker was wiped out by a late challenge and a penalty was awarded. The former York City man, who missed a key late penalty against Barton Town Old Boys last week, showed courage to step up again.

Arran Reid, in the Pikes goal, got a huge touch on his effort but the ball found its way over line.

Baker and Barrett then combined for Taddy's third goal, the latter's pace and power supplemented by a superb through ball to Baker, who expertly finished into the bottom left-hand corner.

It was four at half-time as Albion were awarded another penalty.

Barrett was brought down by Joe Danby and Beadle picked up his eighth goal as he blasted the spot-kick into the back of the net.

The pace slowed down after the break and Pickering, showing fight, enjoyed their best spell off the match.

Former Tadcaster player George Bissett came close when he struck a low powerful shot narrowly wide of the goal.

The Brewers had the chance to make it five, shortly after, when George Conway was sent clean through by Baker. He cut inside one defender who tracked back, he cut inside a second and then pulled the trigger only to see his shot blocked.

With 25 minutes left on the watch, Pickering Town pulled a goal back through Ryan Cooper and were lamented that they didn't get a second minutes later when Danny Gray, another of the former Tadcaster men to turn out for the Ryedale side, saw his shot deflected inches wide.