MANAGER Paul Marshall is confident Tadcaster Albion can avoid a ’keeper crisis as they bid to end 2014 on top of the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Number one Leon Wrigglesworth was forced out of the action at half-time in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Thackley after suffering a back spasm.

Without a ’keeper on the bench, Marshall had to put defender Will Pepper in goal for the second half.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s Ings Lane clash with Albion Sports, Marshall said: “Leon has had back spasms before and sometimes they last a while, but sometimes it only lasts 24 hours.

“The good thing is Pete Lawrie is back with us for Christmas and we also have Arran Reid signed on.

“Arran is also registered for Scarborough Athletic, but he hasn’t been playing for them. He played for Hamilton Panthers in the York Minster Engineering League at the weekend.”

He added: “Will Pepper used to be a ’keeper and he is about 6ft 6in. He did okay, particularly with the wind in his face in the second half.”

Albion’s draw allowed Barton Town Old Boys to close to within three points at the top of the table, although Brighouse Town appear to be the biggest threat, 13 points behind with six games in hand.

Said Marshall: “It was disappointing to draw after hitting the woodwork three times in the first half and having the opportunity to go 3-1 up in the second half. But it is another game undefeated, so that is 24 games now.

“Barton are three points behind us, but they have played the same number of games.

“Brighouse beat Pickering and they needed that win. I was hoping Pickering might do us a favour, but it didn’t work out that way.”

The Brewers will hold a fans’ forum at their Ings Lane base tomorrow, starting at 7pm.

“The fans will be able to put questions to myself and the new owners, i2i Sports,” said Marshall.

“It should be good. It is all positive at the club at the moment.”

Any forum questions should be emailed in advance to tafc@enteri2i.com The club will stage a Christmas party on Friday, December 27, at 7.30pm, to mark the refurbishment of their Ings Lane clubhouse.

Marshall said: “There is an open invitation to all the supporters and players, and everybody is looking forward to it.”

The draw has been made for round three of the League Cup, with Albion awaiting the winners of the delayed second round match between Albion Sports and Eccleshill United. That tie is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8.

Pickering Town will host Dronfield Town in round three.

The Pikes, who beat Worsbrough Bridge Athletic in extra time in round two, will stage the tie at Mill Lane early next year.

Selby Town have been drawn away to Nostell Miners Welfare, while Knaresborough Town travel to Garforth Town.

League Cup round three draw: Albion Sports or Eccleshill Utd v Tadcaster Albion, Basford Utd or Brighouse Town v Long Eaton Utd, Bridlington Town or Athersley Recreation v Worksop Parramore or Barton Town Old Boys, Garforth Town v Knaresborough Town, Heanor Town v Thackley, Nostell Miners Welfare v Selby Town, Pickering Town v Dronfield Town, Winterton Rangers v Retford Utd.

• Selby Town have been deducted three points after fielding a suspended player in their 2-0 division one victory at Bottesford Town on Saturday, October 26.

The Robins have dropped to ninth in the table as a result.