Rodgers seals FA Vase win with first half hat-trick for Tadley Calleva
Tadley Calleva enjoyed an emphatic FA Vase win on Saturday as they dismantled Bridgwater United at Barlow’s Park.
Under-23 goalkeeper Chris Tombs came in for the unavailable Craig Atkinson and had an unfortunate start to the game, as he brought down a Bridgwater forward in the box for a penalty.
This was smashed into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 with just three minutes on the clock, but this proved to be far from fatal for the young goalie.
Just one minute later, it was Tadley’s star striker Kieran Rodgers who restored order, latching on to a Connor Thorne flick-on to level things up.
Tombs was tested again in the twelfth minute, but had better fortune as a Bridgwater cross was headed onto the post and into the goalkeeper’s arms.
With 25 on the clock, Rodgers struck again.
A whipped corner flew into the box to land straight on the head of the Tadley striker, who saw his bullet header fly past the keeper for 2-1.
In the 42nd minute he had his hat-trick.
Thorne was fouled in the box, setting Rodgers up for his easiest goal of the day as he powered home his penalty for a first half hat-trick.
A Jack French longshot hit the bar on the brink of half time, as the sides went in at 3-1.
The second half saw young Tombs come into his own.
As Bridgwater threatened to reduce the deficit he made two outstanding saves in a seven minute span to defend his side’s lead.
As the clock ticked down the Bridgwater pressure subsided and manager Joe Lawler began to rest some of his players.
Coming off the bench however was Alex Miller, one of the club’s most deadly attacking assets.
The winger reminded fans of that fact, as he danced around his defender in the box and found the bottom corner to make it 4-1 in the 94th minute.
The win against the Somerset side puts Calleva into the third round of the Vase for the first time in nine years.
They will travel to league rivals AFC Whyteleafe in the next round on Saturday 7 December.
Tuesday night sees the visit of National League Eastleigh in the Hampshire Senior Cup, with a bumper crowd expected.
On Saturday Calleva will play their most unique fixture of the season, as they travel to face Jersey Bulls away from home.
