FA Cup Third Qualifying Round - 6 October 2012

TADCASTER ALBION V BOSTON UNITED

With West Auckland losing their replay at Harrogate, the Northern League’s representation in the FA Cup ended in the previous round leaving thin pickings and a tidy trip needed to keep the cup run going. Step forward Tadcaster Albion of the North East Counties League Premier Division, through to this stage for the first time ever and drawn against Boston United of the Conference North. This is a similar set up to the last round with a “step 5” team at home to one from “step 2”. Tadcaster have beaten a couple of Northern League teams in earlier rounds and also Holker Old Boys who we saw in the opening round at Newton Aycliffe, but this will be a tougher test.

The lexicographically challenging “2inspire Park”, tucked away behind the dominating, hop-scented, presence of the John Smiths brewery, is a pleasant tree-lined ground with few seats and little cover but a very popular club house with windows overlooking the pitch. Fortunately it is another dry sunny day for the FA Cup and hopes are for a good game, particularly as a seat at the Man City v Sunderland match has been declined in its favour!

The pitch looks in good condition despite (or because of) a recent flooding as Tadcaster in sunshine yellow line up against Boston in a white shirts and red shorts; clearly a change strip as their numerous fans, the majority of the 300 odd spectators, sport amber and black favours.

Boston start confidently and have their opponents penned in for the first five minutes, then Tadcaster find their feet and fizz in a dangerous free kick from the right. For 20 minutes it is fairly even with both sides taking every opportunity to shoot from distance, some closer to the goal than others but none needing a save. The first shot on target arises from a Tadcaster long throw that is successfully defended but falls invitingly for a volley that is headed clear.

Gradually Tadcaster get the upper hand, their simpler style of play proving more effective on a pitch that does not play as well as it looks. Its bobbly nature is interfering with Boston’s desire to pass and move. In midfield Boston’s playmaker Ross looks skilful but is being steamrollered by the two Kamaras (Nathan and Chris) in Tadcaster’s engine room. Boston’s troubles escalate when Fairclough is first booked then spoken to severely in the space of 5 minutes. His manager substitutes him, fearing a sending off, but this strategy is undermined when his replacement Stokes promptly gets himself booked.

The final five minutes of the half sees action at both ends. Stokes finds space on the right and his shot hits the outside of the post; at the other end a soft free kick awarded to Tadcaster sees a left foot curler threaten the far post, but only ripple the roof of the net.

The half time verdict is a good game with plenty of action despite the lack of goals. Boston’s early attempt to impose their status was rebuffed mainly through efforts of Nathan and Chris Kamara, whose physicality the Boston midfield could not match. But up front only Gray, Tadcaster's big centre forward, looks a threat and he is both isolated and well marshalled by Boston’s Stainfield. For Boston centre forward Jones has worked hard and left winger Thompson posed an early threat until full back Silk worked him out.

The second half bursts into life with a Tadcaster attack. Nathan Kamara bundles his way into the penalty but Stainfield nicks the ball off his toe before he can shoot. Boston seem to have adapted their game to the pitch and soon loft a high diagonal ball into Tadcaster’s box. Goalkeeper Haystead leaps, catches, fumbles then drops the ball at the feet of centre forward Jones who, almost embarrassed, pokes it over the line for an unexpected but welcome goal.

Tadcaster are stunned and take about ten minutes to regain a foothold in the game. Just as they do Boston substitute Marshall hits a gem of a through ball down the inside right channel. Jones is right on the last man but offside appeals are ignored as he bears down on goal. Keeper Haystead comes to meet him and forces him wide but then clumsily, and unnecessarily, collides with him to concede the penalty. As the ball was running wide the yellow card is appropriate, just one of many sensible rulings by today’s referee Mr Miller. Ward converts steps the spot kick to give Boston a 2-0 lead.

Tadcaster continue to compete but Boston now look more comfortable and the game is being played out in the Tadcaster half and the chances are coming in the Tadcaster box. One falls to Ward when a free kick from 30 yards is dinked cleverly into him, but his close range effort is well saved by Haystead.

The usual rash of substitutions towards the end has little impact other than to give Tadcaster’s James the opportunity to whack Stokes with little subtlety; the assault deserves a red card but Mr Miller decides on yellow, blotting his otherwise faultless performance.

Tadcaster finish with a flurry of corners, free kicks and long throws but Boston’s defence continues to cope and gets a well-deserved clean sheet.

Boston will be in the draw for the fourth and final qualifying round as one of the 40 survivors who along with the 24 Conference teams will contest just 32 ties to see who will get a crack at Football League opposition in the First Round proper.

Just 32 matches nationwide so fingers crossed for a Gateshead home draw!