Romans plan to pull off shock at Bracknell

TADLEY Calleva are gearing up for one of the biggest games in the club’s history on Saturday.

The Romans travel to Southern League Premier South outfit Bracknell Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

And although Tadley go into the game as huge underdogs, manager Joe Lawler believes his side can pull off another shock.

Tadley already have one massive scalp under their belts after beating Weymouth 4-2 in the first round in front of the BBC cameras two weeks ago.

And the Combined Counties Premier South side are now striving to reach the third qualifying round for the first time in their history.

Lawler said: “I have watched Bracknell’s game against Basingstoke – they are a very good side with good players and a big attacking threat.

“They have a big 4G pitch and it will be a difficult game because they are two leagues above us.”

But Lawler added: “There is a real buzz around the town at the moment.

“A few other managers messaged me to say how well we played againt Weymouth and the whole day was very positive for us.

“We have put ourselves in a position where we can look forward to the game and we’ll go there full of confidence and give it a real go.

“The FA Cup is all about raising the profile of the club and bringing in money.

“But it’s not just about the cup – we have a long season ahead of us and a lot of matches to be played.”

Tadley can count themselves unlucky not to be heading into the Bracknell game on the back of a win over Fleet Town.

They look set to garner the three points, only to concede a 94th-minute penalty, which earned Fleet a 2-2 draw.

Fleet had taken a 23rd-minute lead through Theo White, only for Sheldon White to equalise two minutes later.

Wright then put Tadley ahead in the 41st minute until deep into injury time when Charlie Postance levelled from the spot.