Tadley Calleva fall to Jersey wonder-goal, but playoff chase continues
Tadley Calleva were beaten by Jersey Bulls for the second time this season on Saturday.
Calleva came into the game hoping to exact revenge, with their 3-0 defeat away to Bulls earlier this season still fresh in the memory.
Defender Dan Williamson made his full debut, while all-time top scorer Brett Denham made his first start since rejoining the club.
Tadley made a solid start, but Jersey grabbed the opener after just seventeen minutes, breaking through the Calleva defensive line to slot past keeper Craig Atkinson.
It took just two minutes for Bulls to double their lead, as Williamson’s outstanding last ditch tackle dropped into the path of onrushing attacker Dos Santos, who made no mistake.
On the brink of half-time it was 3-0 to Jersey, essentially wrapping up the contest within 45 minutes.
This goal however, was the pick of the bunch.
Despite this goal putting us three down before half time, you have to applaud this 👏 https://t.co/EBRxtFX0qk
— Tadley-Calleva FC (@tadleycallevafc) January 26, 2025
Jersey’s Adam Trotter received the ball on the edge of the box following some good hold up play from his teammate.
His first touch seemed to defy physics, as he somehow scooped the ball up and over the challenge of a Tadley defender with the outside of his boot.
He beautifully kept the ball in the air with his next touch, using his right foot to juggle the ball in the air.
He used that same foot to dink the ball home into the bottom right corner, wheeling away in celebration as the Tadley defence stood stunned.
This was a goal applauded by both home and away fans, and one worthy of winning any game on its own.
Tadley didn’t give up in the second half though, as they fought back into the contest and created a number of good opportunities.
They were only able to pull one back however, as Andrew Charsley stabbed one home in the 80th minute.
Tadley have become accustomed to late comebacks in recent weeks, but it wasn’t to be this time as full time came and finished it at 3-1.
A spirited performance against the league’s second best side will not knock Calleva’s confidence.
They still sit sixth, on the cusp of the playoffs, and travel to fourth placed Cobham on Saturday.