16th August 2008, Dunston FFC 4 Tadcaster Albion 0, FA Cup

Fed eventually ran out easy winners against their Yorkshire visitors in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup. They were made to work hard, however, against a side who came out to defend. The early possession belonged to the Fed who were kicking towards the car-park end. It took 16 minutes for the first chance of any significance when a corner-kick from the right was parried by keeper Ryder into the path of Kane Young who headed wide who took a kick in the head for his troubles. The pattern continued with Fed having a lion’s share of the possession but failing to penetrate a firm Tadcaster defence. It took until the 39th minute for Fed to go close again, once more from a corner, Bulford got in a good header which was goal-bound but cleared off the line by Phil Smith (a good Tadcaster surname – apologies to the non-beer drinker).
With 5 minutes of the half remaining and their goal intact the visitors got a little brave and attacked without ever threatening the Fed goal. The half-time whistle was frustrating for the Fed and there were signs it was going to be “one of those days”.

The second half continued in similar fashion, Fed were missing key-players, especially Harkin and Preen, but were starting to play the ball around a lot crisper and things were looking up. After 55 minutes Bulford hit a hopeful 25 yarder which bounced wickedly in front of keeper Ryder and slipped under his body but the man between the sticks recovered in time to recollect. With 20 minutes to go Fed had their clearest chance of the match to date when a corner kick fell to Dixon 10 yards out but he blasted over the bar. Fed finally took the lead after 73 – it took an old-fashioned hoof upfield from the defence which bounced over the visitors’ back line and Bulford (who despite appeals was clearly onside) was one on one with the keeper – Andy will be the first to admit he didn’t connect well but it was enough to pass Ryder and into the net. At this stage Tadcaster hadn’t threatened at all and it seemed to be enough to win the game. 2 minutes later Rattle played in a vicious shot/cross from the left which the keeper was forced to save for a corner. After 82 Tad sub Martin Biscombe was carried off on a stretcher – I heard differing views on his injury but from the Fed as a club we wish him a swift recovery. 1-0 is never enough in football and Fed were almost caught on the sucker when a good three piece move played in Howgate who was denied when Poskett dived at his feet before a shot was initiated. That proved to be Albion’s last throw of the dice as the last few minutes were all Fed. Sub Pattinson hit a low ball from the left that deceived everyone and Ryder (who had a good game for the visitors) was forced to save for yet another Fed corner (their 11th). This 86th minute corner was decisive though as Hedley headed on at the far post and Dixon headed into the roof of the net from 6 yards. 2 minutes later some cutting passing play from the Fed resulted in a lovely finish from Bulford who struck from the edge of the area giving Ryder no chance. Fed made it 4 in stoppage time, there were appeals for a foul on the keeper (there were so many bodies I didn’t see clearly although the liner said his own defender had run into him) and the ball fell to Bulford who completed his hat-trick from 15 yards. The action was still not complete as Tad’s Farthing was sent off for raising an arm. I heard him explaining afterwards where he said that he had “unintentionally swung his arm but smacked him hard”. The guy sounded genuine but the ref (like most of us) saw the arm in the face and a red was shown. The better team won but Fed were made to work hard for this. The stats will show how one-sided this was but also how difficult it is to break down a sound defensive effort.

Fed: Poskett, Cattanach, Rattle, Robson, Hedley, Young (Moat 86), Burns, Dixon, Logan (Thompson 63), Bulford, Pickering (Pattinson 63)

Tadcaster: Ryder, N Smith (Deighton 77), P Biscombe, Suggitt, Bonarious, James (M Biscome 71(Edwards 82)), P Smith, Farthing, Howgate, Sunley, Dowling

Stats: Attempts Fed 17 Tad 1; On target Fed 9 Tad 0; Corners Fed 11 Tad 1; Fouls committed Fed 14 Tad 11; Offside Fed 3 Tad 1

Fed Up News Man of the Match – Andy Bulford


 

 All Reports By Mr. Dave O'Neil