Tadley Calleva battle through to face Littlehampton

TADLEY CALLEVA are the area’s sole FA Vase survivors after battling their way into the First Round Proper for the first time in the club’s history on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Chertsey Town.

They earned a first round trip to Littlehampton Town of the Southern Combination League's Premier Division on October 31 with their deserved win at Alwyns Lane.

Thatcham Town’s hopes of joining them were wrecked at Waterside Park as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat against fellow Hellenic Leaguers Brimscombe and Thrupp.

Tadley were full value for their win against the Combined Counties League Premier Division side and had five clear openings before James Tennant put them ahead after 15 minutes.

Chertsey produced more in the second period but were chasing the game from a distance after Tadley scored again in the 52nd minute when Tennant crossed for Brett Denham to finish sharply.

Chertsey hit the bar as they attempted to come back, and Thomas Hindmarsh made two smart saves as Tadley won their way into Monday’s draw.

Thatcham’s exit came after they spent much of the second half with 10 men after player- co-manager Gareth Thomas was sent off for handling on the line and Ollie Pitt netted the visitors’ opening goal from the resulting penalty.

Thomas had already replaced the injured Tom Moran, and Brimscombe took advantage when Simon Clarke netted a second.

Josh Helmore had an effort cleared off the line, but Thatcham made a surprisingly tame exit.