BILLY MILLER has hailed the never say die attitude of his Tadcaster Albion side as they sit top of the Northern Counties Eastern League premier division table.

Despite exiting the West Riding County Cup at the first hurdle on Tuesday night, the Brewers hauled themselves back from a two-goal deficit at half-time against Evo-Stik League side Goole before losing 7-5 on penalties, Matt Heath and Josh Greening getting Taddy's goals.

Despite the KO blow in the shoot-out, Miller was keen to stress the opportunity the game provided to blood youngsters and spread game time among the squad - and to praise their spirit ahead of tomorrow's return to league action away to Retford.

“The county cup is a difficult one, given the amount of games you have to play at this stage of the season,” he said. “It was a chance for us to give some players a run in the team.

“We’ve got two young lads with us at the moment in Ryan Woodhead and Alfie Beestin. They both played and took penalties, which gave them the experience of playing in that type of game and knowing what it feels like.”

Further positives came in the shape of Carl Stewart and Jason Mycoe, who both came through unscathed after injury lay-offs.

Winger Josh Barrett picked up a hamstring knock, though, and he remains a doubt for tomorrow’s trip, alongside Nick Thompson.

The Ings Lane chief remains buoyant at his team’s rich vein of form and resilience. He said: “We have a will to win and a never say die attitude in this group. We never ever give in.

“We’ve got some really strong attacking players and, although there are things to work on defensively, the team are great to watch at the moment.

“The first half against Pickering Town (4-1 win last Friday) was the best I’ve seen a Tadcaster side play under me. It wasn’t about the rivalry. It was another win ticked off towards us being in and around the top come April.”

Pickering had been patched up for Friday night’s derby. Centre-half Niall Tilsley hobbled through the contest, while Ged Dalton, Callum Ward, Sam Calvert and Paul Lawrie remain on the treatment table.

The Pikes, though, fielded new signing Danny Gray, plucked from Tadcaster last week.

Paul Marshall’s outfit tomorrow host Armthorpe Welfare, who find themselves in the relegation zone having only won twice since the opening day in August.

NCEL division one play-off hopefuls Selby Town head to leaders AFC Mansfield full of confidence after progressing in the FA Vase.

The Robins beat Westella VIP 3-1 in their first round meeting on Saturday, while they are also boosted by the signing of midfielder Danny Norton from Barton Town Old Boys and Brent Leister’s return from suspension.

Despite their West Riding Cup defeat to Silsden midweek, for which they made several changes, manager Dave Ricardo is looking for his team, 13th in the table, to establish the platform for a play-off push.

He said: “Saturday’s performance was at a high level and the quality we showed was pleasing, particularly from Craig Muirhead, who is in great form.

“We expect a tough challenge against the top of the league but it’s one we are capable of rising to. We have set ourselves a target of taking 20 points from the next ten games, despite a tough run ahead, which would give us a good platform for a go at the playoffs.”

Knaresborough Town, three points and five places above Selby, entertain Eccleshill United.

Conference North side Harrogate Town host Burscough in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, while in the Evo-Stik division one north, Harrogate Railway have a tough trip to high-riding Warrington Town and Scarborough host Mossley.