Baildon Trinity Athletic 1

Tadcaster Magnets 6

It was a top of the table clash where Baildon entertained Tadcaster. The first-half was a lively affair with chances for both sides.

Baildon were looking quite comfortable after about 15 minutes and it was against the run of play that Tadcaster opened the scoring with a rasping drive from ten yards out.

Goalkeeper, Craig Edwards, was powerless to stop the shot that was still rising when it hit the back of the net. Unfortunately, it was the referee who caused the second goal for Tadcaster about four minutes later.

A nothing challenge by Baildon captain Neil Barlow left the Tadcaster number nine screaming in pain, for which the referee gave a free-kick. Baildon players surrounded the man in black complaining about what was a really awful decision. The free-kick from 30 yards was struck with such venom that it left the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance of saving it. He still managed to get a hand to the ball, but the power of the shot doubled Tadcaster's advantage. That was the score at half-time.

Baildon were losing but not playing badly. The teams emerged for the second-half and Baildon piled on the pressure, and indeed pulled a goal back through Nick James.

A shot come cross from the ever lively Danny Jowett and found Nick James who was tightly marked on the edge of the area. James managed to get in front of the defender and direct a low volley across the face of the 'keeper with his back to goal. Baildon were back in it and as the minutes ticked by there was only ever going to be one winner, Baildon.

However, a poor challenge from the Baildon centre-back Rick Walker left the referee with no option but to point to the spot and the penalty was duly despatched.

Three quickly became four when goalkeeper Edwards dropped a bread and butter cross into the path of the Tadcaster number eight and Baildon were out of the game.

Two more goals arrived late on to make a scoreline of 6-1 look worse than Baildon played. Missed chances and woeful defending have cost Baildon dear in a game where they played very well at times.

Luck usually evens itself out over the course of the season and let's hope this is true for the remainder as Baildon should expect it in large slices.

l Baildon turn their attentions from a stuttering league campaign to the District Cup on Saturday week and are away to Otley side Yew Tree.

Baildon U-16s 4

Nab Wood U-16s 2

AFTER the previous week's disappointment Baildon Under-16s made it three wins out of four in the Craven Junior League with a hard-fought victory over neighbours Nab Wood.

Despite going ahead thanks to a Simon Malyon through ball which Chris Reardon converted Baildon trailed 2-1 at the interval. Baildon failed to play their normal passing game and two defensive errors led to the Nab Wood goals.

A dressing room blasting saw the home side come out for the second-half in a better footballing frame of mind and gradually got on top.

Reardon headed the equaliser and further strikes by James Brown and Malyon ensured victory.

Malyon and captain Andy Padgett (named Man-of-the-Match) were outstanding in midfield for Baildon, and there was some good work on the left wing from Calum Cullen.

The only sour note came ten minutes from time when Brown was sent off for bad language.