NCEL 2009/10 Match Review #69
29th April, 2010
Tadcaster Albion have ended their 28 year NCEL trophy drought by lifting the Division One title on Tuesday night.
And, in keeping with a dramatic season, the championship was not decided until the last five minutes of their match at home to Hemsworth Miners Welfare.
The score was 1-1 with Taddy's Danny Pitts levelling after the hour mark to cancel out an early opener from the visitors' Damion Liddle.
That scoreline would have meant that Brighouse were champions and Leeds Carnegie would finish second above the Brewers on goal difference.
But, then came the turnaround in front of the division's season best crowd of 452 as Mike Braithwaite scored what would be Tadcaster's most important ever goal, their winner on 85 minutes.
The celebrations continued as the trophy was handed over to Tadcaster whilst Brighouse finish second and Leeds Carnegie third just outside the promotion spots by one point.
In the other Division One game played in midweek to conclude the season, Pontefract Collieries drew 0-0 at home to Glasshoughton Welfare.
Premier Division runners-up Rainworth Miners Welfare ended their campaign with a victory as Craig Mitchell's eighth minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory at Winterton Rangers.
Pickering Town ensured seventh spot as they finished with a 7-1 home win over Liversedge.
Liam Salt caused most of the damage netting four times whilst Tom Adams struck twice and Ricky Greening also found the net.
Corydon Larkin got Sedge's only goal of the evening on 70 minutes.
Scarborough Athletic still have their eyes on a top five finish in their first season in the top flight after a 1-1 draw at Arnold Town.
Craig Palmer put them ahead early on but Tony Law made sure the spoils were shared with an equaliser just before the interval.
Champions Bridlington Town are still on course to notch up 97 points after Neil Towler's goal gave them a 1-0 win in their penultimate match at Nostell Miners Welfare.
Long Eaton United won 3-0 at Selby Town with Gary Breach, Martin Bowles and Kevin Mabon ensuring an easy evening for the visitors.
And, a Gavin Allott brace helped Dinnington Town to a 3-1 victory over visitors Hallam.