STRIKER Carl Stewart has defended his decision to return to Tadcaster Albion from rivals Scarborough Athletic.

Stewart quit Tadcaster in the summer and scored eleven goals for Athletic who are currently top of the Evo-Stik First Division North.

His former manager Steve Kittrick was far from happy with the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Kittrick had been told that Stewart was unable to play against Glossop North End last weekend due to a ‘wrist injury’.

“It is all about people’s integrity. Neither Carl or Tadcaster come out of this in a good light,” Kittrick told the Scarborough News.

“If he wanted to leave, why didn’t he just tell me rather than telling lies about his wrist? It just seems a bit strange.

“We gave Carl an improved offer and an extra few quid after he scored the hat-trick against Mossley. We’ll just move on from this. We don’t want any player at this club that doesn’t want to be here.”

But Stewart said: “A move back wasn’t really in the pipeline until very recently and the fact that it was taking me over an hour and a half to get to Bridlington pretty much made my mind up.

“The fact that ‘Taddy’ is such a big club and only ‘round the corner’ made the decision such an easy one for me, especially after last season. It just felt right coming back.”

Stewart missed the majority of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury but still ended the campaign on eight goals including a memorable 30 yard volley against Athersley on his ‘farewell’ appearance.

“I am feeling very good about my own game. I’ve been scoring goals and I just hope I can carry my form into the upcoming games,” he said.

Stewart is set to start for the Brewers tomorrow at Clitheroe. With only one win in their last nine league games, the Brewers have slipped down the table and are looking to address the slide. The midweek game against Trafford was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

“I thought Taddy started the season very well but they have dropped off the pace slightly in recent weeks with a few shock results,” he said. “ That’s probably why I’m here – so we can get scoring a few more goals and winning games. I just want the fans to stick with us because I know we will get it right and start to climb the league.”

Scarborough and Tadcaster go head-to-head, meanwhile, on Boxing Day at the i2i Stadium and Stewart said: “Boxing Day will be very interesting. I just hope both sets of fans can come down and have a nice day and watch what will, hopefully, be a decent game of football. And, obviously, a win for the Brewers!”

Scarborough visit Prescot Cables this afternoon.

In the Evo-Stik League premier division, leaders Whitby Town visit third-placed Rushall Olympic tomorrow. Although two points clear at the top of the table, the Seasiders slipped up last week - taking only one point and failing to score in games against Grantham Town and lowly Ilkeston Town.

They returned to winning ways on Wednesday night when Dale Hopson scored a hat-trick to help secure a 5-0 win against Guisborough Town in the first round of the North Riding County FA Senior Cup.

Harrogate Town host AFC Telford in Vanarama National League North.

Harrogate Railway Athletic, who are currently a comfortable 10 points clear of the relegation zone, entertain Retford United who are one place lower down the NCEL premier division table.