A VICTORY could send Tadcaster Albion to the top of the BetVictor Northern Premier League north/west division as they prepare to face Dunston this afternoon.

Tadcaster have enjoyed a fine run of form as of late, having not tasted defeat since early November.

Since then, Albion have gone unbeaten in eight league games, winning five and drawing three of those.

Paul Quinn's side, who are fourth in the standings, sit just three points behind the long-time division leaders Workington AFC, though they do have a game in hand over the Cumbrian club.

Today's opponents Dunston lie at the other end of the table and have taken 18 points from their 16 league matches, leaving them in 17th place and seven points clear of bottom side Pickering Town.

Albion's most recent triumph came away to play-off contenders Clitheroe on Tuesday, with the Brewers prevailing 2-1.

Quinn was unable to call upon injured duo Andy Milne and Mitch Pattinson while captain Michael Ingham was on the bench following a knock picked up last weekend.

And, the injury woes for Tadcaster continued as, after only seven minutes, Will Annan abruptly pulled up and had to be substituted.

It was Clitheroe who were creating the game's early chances as Connor Gaul hit a rasping 20-yard strike which was well held by Aaron Burn before Charlie Cummings shot wide after a strong run on goal.

Tadcaster could, however, so easily have been ahead when Jake Day collected the ball 30 yards out and bullied his way into the box, before unleashing a shot from the edge of the area which was deflected inches wide .

Clitheroe were beginning to dominate by the half-hour mark and continued to create plenty of chances of their own.

From a Tadcaster corner, the hosts broke quickly through Connor Gaul down the left side and his cross found the unmarked Mitchell George who scored at the second attempt with his effort on goal.

Things got worse for Tadcaster when defender Adam Porritt went down with a hamstring problem late in the half, preventing him from playing any further part in the contest.

After the break though, matters markedly improved as, on 51 minutes, a move involving Jake Rose, Alfie Beestin and Lebrun Mbeka resulted in Donald Chimalilo hammering the ball into the bottom of the net.

By the hour mark, the home side pushing hard for another goal and were awarded a penalty on 68 minutes.

Gaul stepped up to take the spot kick but Burn guessed correctly and dived to his right to save it.

The Brewers immediately took the initiative as Jack Walters smashed in a free-kick in from 18 yards out to send the travelling supporters into delirium.

More drama had yet to unfold; with five minutes of normal time on the clock, Clitheroe were given another penalty.

Once more Gaul took the penalty though this time it was the crossbar rather than Burn who denied him.

Tadcaster held on during stoppage time to take three crucial points.

Elsewhere, new manager Steve Roberts will take charge of his first home game as Pickering manager against Ossett United while, in the Northern Counties East League division one, Selby Town host Harrogate RA.