'Same old story' for Tadcaster Albion, says Ryan Qualter following Handsworth FC defeat

"Same old story" was Ryan Qualter's verdict after seeing his side revert to type as they lost out 3-1 at home to Handsworth.

The Brewers, who have been struggling at the wrong end of the NCEL Premier Division during the early months of the 2026/27 season, enjoyed a couple of fine results last week, beating third-placed Barton Town and drawing with second-placed Bottesford.

But, Qualter was once again left questioning his players' "desire" and will to "roll their sleeves up" after they were out-worked and out-played by visiting Handsworth.

"It's really frustrating,” the Albion boss said. "You have a good week against Barton and Bottesford, and like I've said before, I never worry about us against the so-called bigger teams. But, against teams who have heart and grit, we just fall short.

"I thought that for five minutes in the first half, we did okay. For the rest of the game, it was the same old story. We got old-manned, we got bullied and beaten by a team who had far more desire and far more passion than us.

"I could name maybe two or three who you count on to roll their sleeves up, but the rest just went missing. And it's a common occurrence at the moment, unfortunately, when we play against teams who are well organised and do the basics really well.

"The amount of times we got pushed off the ball, and if you you don't want to run, don't want to track back or win your individual battles, you don't give yourselves a chance."

Alex Asaba's 23rd-minute opener and an own goal by Ryan Gothard saw Hansworth take a 2-0 lead into the interval, with Asaba then striking again just after the hour-mark.

Substitute Elliott Andrew did manage to pull one back for Albion when he netted a stunning effort from wide on the right, but that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Defeat leaves the Brewers third from bottom of the table ahead of this Friday's trip to Campion (7.45pm).