TADCASTER Albion sent out a resounding statement to the rest of the Northern Counties East League in their comprehensive 4-1 defeat of Worksop Town in the FA Vase second round.

Brewers boss Billy Miller reckoned before the midweek clash that, while counting for no league points, it could have a psychological effect in the title race.

And he has since sung the praises of his league leaders, who return to premier division action tomorrow at Staveley Miners Welfare (3pm).

“I think they were absolutely superb," he said of his team, who set up a third-round trip to Northern League side Sunderland RCA on December 12.

“I told the lads before the game that it was about sending a clear message against a team who will be there at the end of the season.

“We adapted to the conditions quicker and the game-plan came off really well.”

Prior to Wednesday, the tie had been postponed three times due to flooding at Ings Lane.

Full of verve and intent from the off, Tadcaster took the lead after ten minutes when Josh Barrett pounced on a loose ball in the box and lifted it over the keeper.

The hosts almost turned their dominance into further goals, but Jimmy Beadle’s header was chalked off for a foul on the keeper and Gregg Anderson’s effort sailed over.

Just before the break, the outstanding Adam Baker turned his defender in knots and fired into the far corner from ten yards to double the advantage.

Nick Black nipped any thought of a Worksop riposte in the bud three minutes after the break, when he calmly rounded the keeper to add a third. Baker got his second with a fine, albeit deflected, strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

Baker may have had an eye on a hat-trick and shot into the side-netting from close range when Carl Stewart looked better placed.

Steve Wolley added a late consolation for the out-of-sorts visitiors, who are two points behind Tadcaster in the league.

Perhaps luckily - as their pitch has taken some punishment in recent weeks - Albion don’t now have a home game scheduled until January 16.

But they will hope to take momentum from their first game in over two weeks into tomorrow’s encounter.

Miller said of ninth-placed Staveley: “They’ve got a lot of youngsters and play without fear, although that does mean they can make rash decisions.

“They are vibrant. I’m expecting a really quick game.”

Meanwhile, Pickering Town’s recent premier division form has put them "in contention", according to manager Paul Marshall.

The Pikes have hit a purple patch, losing just once in their last seven matches, and only being denied a third consecutive win by Maltby Main’s late equaliser last weekend.

They now sit 11th, 12 points off the summit.

Marshall said: “We’re in contention at the top of the table, having broken away from the bottom half, and we’re only three or four points off fourth place.

“We have got a lot of young players at the moment, and are still a bit naive in terms of closing games out."

They travel to Retford tomorrow without Denny Ingram (knee) and George Bissett (groin), while Joe Danby and Nial Tilsley (both ankle) are doubtful.

Selby Town sealed a remarkable extra-time win at Hallam in the NCE League Cup third round on Wednesday.

New signing Nathan Perks, who joined from Glasshoughton Welfare on the morning of the game, equalised in the 89th minute to take the game to overtime.

Then, with one minute remaining of the extra 30, captain Danny Norton slotted a winner to send manager Dave Ricardo, who deputised in goal, and his team into raptures.

The Robins tomorrow visit Penistone Church, who have lost just once in their last 17 division one outings.

Knaresborough Town, 2-1 winners at AFC Mansfield in their midweek League Cup tie thanks to a Will Lenehan strike and Luke Jeffs own goal, have a weekend off prior to a Tuesday trip to Worsbrough Bridge.

Elsewhere tomorrow, fifth-placed Harrogate Town go to mid-table Gainsborough in National League North, while, in Evo-Stik League division one north, struggling Harrogate Railway visit Bamber Bridge and Scarborough Athletic, 2-0 winners over Ossett Albion in a midweek Doodson Cup tie thanks to first-half goals by Ash Metcalfe and Ryan Blott, host Burscough hoping to end their recent slide down the table.