Stewart strikes to seal Brewers' cup final spot

Carl Stewart hit a late winner as Tadcaster Albion won 2-1 at Brighouse Town. Picture: Matthew Appleby

The striker’s 86th-minute effort sealed a 2-1 comeback victory over Evo-Stik Division One North rivals Brighouse Town in Monday night’s last four clash at the Dual Seal Stadium.

The Brewers started the game brightly and Jonathan Greening fired over the bar before Dan Thirkell saw an effort clawed out of the top corner of the net by home stopper Tom Taylor.

Brighouse then took the lead against the run of play when Michael Fish netted at the back post from a 28th-minute free-kick.

Undeterred, Billy Miller’s men came again and Gregg Anderson had a powerful header well-saved by Taylor.

There were no more goals before the interval, but the second half began with Taddy pushing hard for a way back into the game.

The hosts managed to hold out until the 64th minute, but when a right-wing corner wasn’t dealt with, the ball broke for Josh Barrett to ram home from close to the penalty spot.

Albion had a scare just two minutes after drawing level, when Brighouse were awarded a penalty following a strong challenge by Barrett, but the referee appeared to change his mind and then decided to give the home team a corner.

The visitors then took full advantage when they snatched a decisive second goal late on.

Just three minutes after entering the fray, Stewart showed fine footwork on the edge of the box to dance around two defenders before planting a left-footed effort across Taylor and into the far corner of the net to seal his side’s progress.

National League North outfit Bradford Park Avenue or Evo-Stik North title-chasers Farlsey Celtic await the Brewers in the final.