TADCASTER Albion will be desperate for derby relief to end a nightmare week at Ings Lane.

The Brewers head to North Yorkshire rivals Pickering Town tomorrow (3pm) needing to arrest a run of four games without a win which has seen them crash out of the FA Vase amid unsavoury scenes and drop off the pace in the Northern Counties East League title race.

Defeat in the Vase quarter-final to Highfield Town last Saturday, which ended in a brawl after the final whistle, was followed in midweek by a 3-2 premier division defeat at Barton Town Old Boys - sealed by a last-minute penalty by Scott Phillips just two minutes after Andy Milne thought he had nicked a point.

Phillips' early opener had been cancelled out by a Liam Ormsby penalty but Danny Chambers put Barton back in front just after half-time, prior to the late drama.

With leaders Worksop Town edging Albion Sports thanks to a late goal, Taddy have been left five points off the summit, with only one game in hand, in their bid to take the sole promotion place. Shaw Lane remain many people's favourites, ten points off top spot but with six games in hand.

Meanwhile, Albion have released an official statement regarding the alleged attack on the Highworth Town chairman Rohan Haines during the controversial scenes at the end of last week's Vase tie - saying he could only have been hit, accidentally, by one of his own players or fans.

"We have had the opportunity to review clear and substantial evidence regarding the events at the end of the game," it said.

"The club has become increasingly concerned regarding various reports alleging Mr Rohan Haines was struck in the face by a Tadcaster player. During our review of the evidence we have been able to trace Mr Haines’s movements from the final whistle to the end of the ensuing commotion and can unequivocally state that at no time did a Tadcaster player strike or attempt to strike Mr Haines.

"During discussions between the chairmen of both clubs, Mr Haines confirmed he did not see who struck him or how he was struck.

"Following the incident, Mr Haines was led to believe by one of his own players that it was a Tadcaster player who had struck him in the commotion. Mr Haines now accepts he was misinformed and that he was not struck by a Tadcaster player. Mr Haines and Highworth Town support the club in this statement.

"The evidence demonstrates there were only two possible occasions where contact could have been made with Mr Haines and on both occasions there were no Tadcaster players, officials or fans in his vicinity. The evidence shows Mr Haines may have been inadvertently struck by a Highworth player or fan during their celebrations or the subsequent commotion.

"We would like to state there is absolutely no reason for any further allegations or speculation alleging foul play by a Tadcaster player, or anyone involved with the club, towards Mr Haines. We are grateful to Mr Haines for his co-operation and support in helping resolve this matter."