Evo-Stik Division One North: Tadcaster Albion 1 Kendal Town 2

TADCASTER Albion's unbeaten home league record came to an end as they failed to break down Kendal Town's resolute rearguard.

The Brewers' manager Billy Miller made three changes to the side that played out a goalless draw with Goole in midweek, with young keeper Charlie Murphy deputising for Michael Ingham, who missed out after injuring his foot against Goole.

Gregg Anderson returned from injury to captain the side, while Josh Grant came in at left back for his first start.

However, it was the visitors who struck first, taking the lead after just six minutes.

Murphy flew off his line but could only clear as far as Sam Bailey, who controlled and impressively fired into the corner of the net from all of 35 yards out.

Kendal were forced into an early change on a brisk autumnal afternoon as Charlie Bailey limped off with a groin injury after 12 minutes, and two minutes later The Brewers had their first meaningful attempt at goal as Josh Greening drove narrowly wide after sending a free-kick into the tall wall.

Taddy were actually having the better of the play but the away side were looking much more dangerous going forward.

Substitute Thomas Kilifin had a good chance to put his side two up after sneaking in down the right but stroked the ball just wide of the mark.

With less than ten minutes to go until half-time, Kendal doubled their lead.

Jason Mycoe tracked his man but was adjudged to have impeded the onrushing Kilifin.

Sam Bailey struck the penalty kick with power and precision, with Murphy getting a strong hand to it but could only push into the top corner.

It was clear from the start of the second half that Kendal were happy to soak up the pressure and hold onto their lead.

The Brewers began the half with greater purpose and intent as Adam Baker and Josh Greening saw their efforts held by goalkeeper Will Kitchen.

The second half was to be a case of if Taddy could break down the backline of Kendal, who looked organised and strong.

As the attack v defence game continued, Andy Milne almost pulled a goal back 15 minutes into the half but his back-header was stopped on the line by Kitchen.

Tad’s best opening of the match came in the 72nd minute when Baker was played in down the right and saw the keeper off his line but the winger’s lobbed attempt was comfortably saved by Kitchen.

The introductions of Dan Thirkell, Conor Sellars and Liam Shepherd injected some positivity into The Brewers, who pull a goal back with two minutes to go when defender Andy Milne cleverly flicked home Josh Barrett’s long throw, but it wasn’t enough as Kendal held on to all three points.

Tadcaster Albion: Murphy, Barrett, Grant, Milne, Anderson (captain), Mycoe (Thirkell 63), Youhill (Sellars 63), Jono Greening, Corner, Josh Greening, Baker (Shepherd 80), Unused substitutes: Jeff, Ibrahimi.