TADCASTER Albion have received a boost to their Evo-Stik League north promotion aspirations by bringing in two young players on loan from Hull City.

Will Annan and Ellis Barkworth have both joined the Brewers until the end of the season and are likely to be included in tomorrow’s squad to face table-toppers Hyde United.

Barkworth is a 20-year-old defender who can play centrally or at full-back while 21-year-old attacking midfielder Annan has international experience, having played with Scotland Under-19s.

The pair made their professional debuts in Hull’s 2-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup.

And the Brewers will be hopeful the pair can give the side a lift ahead of the run-in during which Albion will be looking to secure a play-off spot.

Two defeats in the last week to promotion rivals put paid to an eight-game unbeaten run and saw Albion drop back down to eighth from sixth.

Taddy were sunk last weekend by a 58th-minute goal from former Brewer Danny Frost in a 1-0 loss at Trafford before two very late goals secured a 2-1 comeback win for Prescot Cables on Tuesday.

Winger Billy Whitehouse had given Albion the lead midway through the first half, miscuing a cross because of the bobbly pitch and watching the ball loop into the near top corner.

They kept the lead until the 89th minute when James Edgar fired a knock-down in from close range before Lloyd Dean completed the turnaround with a deflected 95th-minute effort.

Club spokesman Jay Taylor said: “First half last Saturday, we were head and shoulders above Trafford. In the second, it was two basic mistakes that cost us.

“Tuesday night was going well – we got a fortunate goal, rode the storm and defended well.

“The defeat wasn’t down to anyone in particular – these things just happen. It was just disappointing because it didn’t feel like we were going to concede.

“But you can’t dwell on it now. We’ve got three massive games coming up against three of the top four.

“I think it’s key with these games being at home as well. It’s an opportunity to show these top teams how good a team we are as well.

“You’ve got to enjoy these games and relish the challenges. The changing room's still buoyant.

“Billy Whitehouse has said it’s been brilliant all season, that managers Michael Morton and Simon Collins have been developing him well and he’s enjoying his football again.

“Before Tuesday’s game, we hadn’t scored against Atherton Collieries or Trafford, so the biggest thing to work on will be the goal-scoring side. Hopefully these two loanees can bolster us.”

Young defender Harry Sheppeard could return to the line-up after starting on the bench at Cables, but Fraser Papprill remains an uncertainty.

Scarborough Athletic last night visited Atherton Collieries in the League Cup third round in the third contest of a four-game week.

Last Saturday, the third-placed Seadogs lost 2-0 at home to Colwyn Bay but on Tuesday won 3-1 at Mossley to move within four points of Hyde.

Tomorrow they return to Atherton for a league fixture.

National League North high-fliers Harrogate Town’s six-game winning run in the league came to a halt with a 1-1 draw at Tamworth last Saturday.

Tomorrow, second-placed Town host second-bottom Gainsborough Trinity as they look to keep tabs on leaders Salford City.