Tadcaster Albion serve up best-ever first-half display during FA Cup upset of Stalybridge Celtic FC
Ryan Qualter viewed Tadcaster Albion’s first-half performance during Saturday’s FA Cup upset of Stalybridge Celtic as the very best his players have produced since he became manager.
The Brewers, who play their football in the NCEL Premier Division, were rewarded for their excellent start to that FA Cup preliminary-round clash with a couple of early goals.
And although higher-division Stalybridge managed to pull one back after the interval, Albion held out for a 2-1 success which earned them a trip to Lancaster City in the first qualifying round on September 5.
"I think the first-half performance was the best we have had since I’ve been at the football club,” Qualter said. “I just thought that we were absolutely outstanding, especially in that first 20 minutes.
"I thought that we blew them away and went 2-0 up with two fantastic goals.
"The system worked, we did the basics really well and I think that everyone won their individual battles.
"I challenged the players to go toe-to-toe with a really good football club with some very good players and a good manager, and every one of them to a man did that.
"This is a fantastic squad, a great group, and pride is the overwhelming feeling.”
Albion took the lead with just four minutes on the clock – and in some style, too.
Oliver Green chased down a ball over the top, nodded it beyond his marker and then cracked a stunning edge-of-the-box half-volley over the head of Stalybridge goalkeeper Charlie Monks and into the far corner of the net.
The Brewers then doubled their lead in the 11th minute through striker Harry Croft, who nipped in ahead of Monks to finish off Green’s flick-on.
Celtic pulled a goal back when Jack Irlam netted on 72 minutes, however Qualter’s men were not to be denied.
Tadcaster return to NCEL Premier Division action this Friday evening, on the road at Worsbrough Bridge Athletic (7.45pm).