TADCASTER Albion were denied a place in the Evo-Stik North play-off final despite taking the lead on the hour mark at Bamber Bridge’s Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Will Annan’s close-ranger header rounded off a sublime counter-attacking move which saw Taddy forge ahead during a well-contested, semi-final tie at Preston.

But it was the home side that were celebrating at the final whistle as goals from Danny Forbes and Lewis Nightingale fired Bamber into a final meeting with Prescot Cables which, as the highest-placed league finisher, they will again host at their own ground.

The large contingent of travelling Albion fans were left disgruntled, however, with the officials post-match after no penalty was awarded when Mitch Langton appeared to have his heels clipped by Kieran Charnock inside the area, but referee Mr Lewis blew for an injury to Adam Dodd instead.

On reflection, though, those supporters will find solace in the club recording their highest-ever finish in English football’s pyramid.

Taddy bosses Michael Morton and Simon Collins kept faith with the same team that secured a play-off spot against Mossley at the weekend, with Chris Howarth back on the bench.

But it was the home side that started on the front foot with forward Brad Carsley fluffing his effort when getting in behind Albion’s back-line and Michael Ingham also called into action on 20 minutes to push Forbes’ powerful header around the post.

At the other end, Billy Whitehouse’s first real involvement in the contest came just before the half-hour mark as his trickery led to a dangerous cross that was controlled by Langton, whose effort was well blocked by skipper Matt Lawlor.

Whitehouse’s through ball then forced Annan a fraction too wide allowing Stuart Vasey to recover and extinguish the attack.

Seconds later, Annan was in on goal again, beating Vasey to a bouncing ball before lobbing goalkeeper Lloyd Rigby only to see the ball drop wide of the post.

The Brewers also had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Corey Roper, enjoying an excellent game in midfield, pinched possession back before releasing Casey Stewart, who coolly slotted into the bottom corner only for the flag to go up in a very tight call.

When the opening goal did arrive, it all started from a Bamber free-kick which was dealt with by Taddy, before Stewart kick-started the counter-attack.

Stewart set the soon-to-be Sheffield United man Harry Sheppeard flying away down the right and he shifted the ball to Whitehouse, whose cross was perfect for Annan to power in a header - his third goal for the club since a loan move from Hull City.

The lead was only short-lived though as Neil Reynolds’ side drew level seven minutes later when a long throw dropped to Forbes, who netted from 12 yards.

With the match on a knife-edge, it was the side that finished fourth in the table that completed the turnaround 11 minutes from time, as Nightingale turned in the penalty area before driving low past Ingham at his near post.

Tadcaster had nothing to lose at this point and ended up throwing forwards Josh Greening, Aiden Savory and Joe Pugh all on to try and take the tie into extra-time, but to no avail and, with league restructuring, it has been confirmed, Tadcaster will now play in the Evo-Stik East Division during 2018/19.