JOSH GREENING'S late goal broke the resistance of ten man Retford and kept Tadcaster Albion at the top of the Northern Counties East League Premier division.

The Brewers were the better side throughout, as the Badgers looked to frustrate, but they had to wait until the 89th minute to grab the winning goal and pick up a vital three points on their travels.

Adam Baker had the first sight on goal, his strike blocked by Craig Laight, and on 20 minutes centre-half Matt Heath saw a header bounce just the wrong side of the post.

Greening had the best chance of the half on 25 minutes. Liam Ormsby curled a ball over the top and Greening's close range shot was well saved by Richard Watson.

Defender Andy Milne headed over with half-time approaching and the second half began in the same vein - with Taddy on the attack.

Five minutes in, Greening was set free in behind on the right but his shot was straight at Watson.

Mark Waters spurned a rare half chance for the Badgers two minutes later as the midfielder spun and shot in one movement but his effort was was comfortably wide of the mark.

And, on 56 minutes, Retford's job became much more difficult as they were reduced to ten men.

Josh Greening pounced upon a ball played in behind Retford’s back-line and, when the attacker touched the ball away, he was completely wiped out by Laight.

As the last man, the referee had no choice but to produce a red card.

Retford kept plugging away, though, and could have taken the lead on the hour mark. Gary Stevens thwarted Jason Bradley to keep it goalless.

Greening again spurned a good chance, his shot falling tamely at Watson after Baker charged in from the right flank and found the striker 15 yards out, and, into the last ten minutes, Carl Stewart's header from Jordan Armstrong's cross trickled agonisingly wide after Watson came flying out and got nowhere near the ball.

Tadcaster won the game, though, with late drama.

Finally wearing down the Retford back-line, Stewart headed down into a dangerous area and Greening popped up to slot home into the bottom corner and keep manager Billy Miller's men at the top of the pile.