A LATE penalty miss knocked Tadcaster Albion off the top of the Northern Counties East League premier division as they lost 4-3 at Barton Town Old Boys.

Defensive frailties continue to hamper manager Billy Miller's side, Albion's 19 goals conceded the worst among the teams in the top ten, and it was all the more disappointing after they flew out of the traps to lead in the first 60 seconds.

Josh Barrett clipped a cross into the box which wasn't cleared and Nick Black pounced to fire low into the net.

They could have been two up after two minutes when Adam Baker poked wide from close range.

Barton gave a warning of their own attacking prowess when Ashley Dexter's header was tipped onto the bar by Gary Stevens and they hit the woodwork for a second time after 11 minutes when Stevens pulled off a full stretch save to keep out Tom Darwood's 30-yard effort.

The Swans equalised shortly before the half hour mark.

Brad Ricketts side-footed home from the spot after Paddy Miller brought down Scott Phillips. That spurred on the home side and they went 2-1 up, six minutes later, as Ricketts hit a screamer from 30 yards.

In command, Barton then went 3-1 up soon after as Gareth Owen's shot was deflected into the corner of the net.

Taddy, though, reduced the deficit before the break when Tom Claisse's sliced half-volley was flicked into the top corner by Miller.

The Brewers were level just after the hour mark when Jordan Armstrong was brought down in the penalty area. Skipper Jimmy Beadle stepped up and hammered it home to level the scores.

With the game finely balanced, Barton hit the woodwork for a third time when Ashley Lattimore's free-kick struck the crossbar but they did get their fourth goal 11 minutes from the end.

Phillips bundled into the penalty area and hit a shot which, far from clean, crept into the net.

The Brewers did everything they could to find an equaliser and it looked like they would pick up a point with two minutes left on the clock.

Barrett charged down the left by-line and was dragged down as the referee awarded yet another penalty.

Beadle, successful from 12 yards earlier, collected the ball but struck poorly and Dave Bramley was able to trap the ball with his legs in the middle of his goal to deny Miller's men a share of the spoils.

There was still time for late drama as, following the penalty, Ricketts was given a red card.