Barlow’s Park side ready for biggest game in club’s history

TADLEY Calleva go into the biggest game in the club's history on the crest of a wave.

The Barlow's Park side travel to Surrey on Saturday to take on Knaphill in the semi-finals of the Combined Counties League play-offs.

Victory would set them up for a final showdown with either Jersey Bulls or AFC Croydon - with the winners earning promotion to either the Southern or Isthmian League.

And, despite a gruelling fixture programme that saw Tadley play eight games in 18 days, joint manager Joe Lawler believes his side can go all the way.

He said: "We have had a great end to the league season, unbeaten in seven games and winning five of them.

"And we will be going into the game full of confidence.

"Any team that makes the play-offs is going to be difficult and Knaphill have been second for most of the season.

"Knaphill are very similar to us in their team ethos and their camaraderie.

"We lost at home to them and then drew 2-2 away earlier in April when we were 2-0 up and cruising.

"Then we had a player sent off and they equalised in injury time.

"They will be confident as well and it should be an entertaining game - we are all looking forward to it."

Tadley will be an full strength, apart from keeper Craig Atkinson who is banned from the crunch clash after picking up a harsh red card recently.

He will be replaced by Harry Nash.

If Tadley do manage to win at Knaphill, they will face either second-placed Jersey or fifth-placed AFC Croydon Athletic.

Tadley will be hoping for a Croydon win as that means they will be at home for the final next Tuesday (May 7).

A win for Jersey means that Tadley would have to travel to the Channel Islands for the final on Saturday, May 11.

Tadley also have their eyes on the League Cup as they face Woodley United at home in a much-delayed clash next Thursday (May 9).