Liversedge show battling qualities in Tadcaster loss

Liversedge and Tadcaster captains led tributes to Sonny-Brogan Lang. A minutes applause was also held in the 23rd minute in memory of the 23-year-old. Pics: Keith Handley.

It was an emotional day at the i2i Stadium as the two sides paid tribute to Tadcaster barmaid Sonny-Brogan Lang, who passed away in midweek.

A 500-plus crowd were in attendance as Tadcaster played their first NCE League Premier Division home game since their ground was flooded in December.

The large home crowd almost saw Albion go ahead inside 60 seconds but Sedge goalkeeper Christian Thewliss denied Jimmy Beadle.

Rhys Davis and Regan Fish created a chance for Liversedge but Jordan Armstrong cleared the danger.

Josh Barrett blazed a shot over from close range and he then produced a lovely cross for Beadle, whose downward header was well saved by Thewliss.

The 23rd minute was marked by applause from the crowd in Sonny-Brogan’s memory.

Beadle headed over a Jonathan Greening cross but Liversedge continued to frustrate Tadcaster.

Josh Barrett was fouled on the edge of the penalty area but Thewiss was on hand to deny another Beadle header from Greening’s free-kick.

Liversedge looked like they had done enough to keep Tadcaster at bay up to the break but on the stroke of half-time, Carl Stewart was fouled and Liam Ormsby curled a beautiful free-kick over the wall, giving Thewliss no chance to put the Brewers ahead.

Thewliss continued to thwart Tadcaster and he twice denied Carl Stewart at the start of the second half with two more impressive saves.

Liversedge continued to dig deep and they pulled level just short of the hour mark when Tom Jackson produced a stunning left foot strike which curled over Tadcaster goalkeeper Gary Stevens.

Liversedge were threatening to spoil Tadcaster’s homecoming and claim a priceless point in their battle to avoid relegation but Tadcaster regained the lead just eight minutes later.

Tom Brook was judged to have handled the ball after Stewart flicked it up.

Ormsby’s well-struck penalty was brilliantly saved by Thewliss but he was on hand to smash home the rebound.

Fish went close to grabbing a second Sedge equaliser but his shot cleared the bar.

Brandon Kane then produced a brilliant 30-yard shot which Stevens tipped onto the crossbar and the goalkeeper had to be alert to deny another Fish chance as Liversedge continued to cause problems.

Liversedge’s brave effort finally came to an end as Tadcaster scored twice in the final three minutes as Carl Stewart netted his first goal of the season before Beadle finally beat Thewliss with a powerful header.