KNOCKOUT momentum has put serial silverware-hunters Tadcaster Albion just two games from an historic appearance at Wembley.

The Albion aces advanced brilliantly into the quarter-finals of the FA Vase after a comprehensive 3-0 win at AFC Mansfield, where the visiting contingent comprised more than half the 600-plus attendance.

The tie was effectively wrapped up just after half-time with a third unanswered goal from the Brewers, whose boss Paul Marshall was understandably delighted.

“It was an excellent result, thoroughly deserved and it’s put us into the last eight for the first time in the club’s existence. It’s great to continue making more history at Tadcaster Albion.”

Marshall conceded that his Northern Counties East League premier division pace-setters led a charmed life in an opening spell where their display was sloppy, revealing that goalkeeper Tom Morgan produced a stunning reflex save in the first three minutes to prevent an own goal from midfielder Liam Ormsby.

But once Tadcaster gathered their composure and scored the opener soon after, they never looked to be in any danger as they now await today’s quarter-final draw scheduled to be made at noon.

The opening Albion goal was bagged by Josh Barrett, who finished off a smart counter-attack in which Josh Greening and Calum Ward were prominent.

Controversy dogged the tie when AFC Mansfield’s Ryan Williams was sent off for kicking out at Ward with the home player soon followed by manager Rudy Funk.

The ex-Scarborough Athletic boss was red-carded for protesting the decision to the referee and assistant referee.

Right on the cusp of half-time Nick Thompson threaded a pass to Ward who then teed up top marksman Greening to double the lead.

Four minutes into the second half the game was up for AFC Mansfield, of the NCEL first division. George Bissett sprayed a pass out wide to Barrett, whose snap reverse ball reached an onrushing Bissett, who whizzed past one defender and smartly swept in a left-foot shot.

More cup action beckons for the Brewers tomorrow when they host Bradford Park Avenue in the semi- final of the West Riding County Cup.

The tie kicks off at 7.45pm and the incentive is a showdown against Garforth Town, semi-final conquerors of Harrogate Town.