Tadley Calleva still in play-off hunt following tough Jersey test
Tadley Calleva were overseas on Saturday, as they made the trip to face Jersey Bulls.
Calleva had enjoyed a night to remember in the week, as they delivered a cup upset to knock National League side Eastleigh FC out of the Hampshire Senior Cup.
Eastleigh had gone in front after Connor Underhill stuck the ball into the top right corner, but it was Sol Ceesay who came off the bench to equalise for Tadley in the dying moments.
Calleva progressed on penalties, continuing a cup run which saw them knock out National League South side Farnborough earlier in the season.
Saturday saw a different test entirely, and a different result too.
Tadley faced a trip to Jersey to play an unbeaten team who sit third in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.
The most unique away day of the season proved to be one of the most difficult for Joe Lawler’s side, as they faced a series of early chances on Craig Atkinson’s goal.
A series of early saves from the Tadley keeper kept his side’s heads above water, as Bulls piled on the pressure in the first half an hour.
The 43rd minute saw this pressure pay off, as Jersey made the breakthrough.
A test of speed down the right side saw Kieron Farmer appear to get caught up on the 4G pitch and go down injured, later being stretchered off and applauded by the 688 in attendance.
Atkinson did well to save the resulting chance, but Toby Ritzema was there to tap in the rebound for 1-0.
Few chances followed in the second half, with Tadley unable to gain a foothold in the contest.
Jersey forward Rai Dos Santos was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes just before the hour mark, but upon his return Bulls threatened again.
A 35-yard strike then smashed the Tadley crossbar and bounced back down on it to provide a warning shot.
With eleven to go, Jersey doubled their lead from a corner.
A good delivery led to a scramble in the box, but the loose ball rolled over the line for 2-0.
Bulls made it three in the 94th minute to send Tadley home and continue their unbeaten run.
The defeat left Calleva eighth, just three points away from the play-offs and still with multiple games in hand on the sides above them.
