Tadley Calleva win 14-0 as positive start continues
Tadley Calleva continued their excellent start to the season with two more wins this week.
Saturday saw them travel to Surrey based Chipstead FC, looking for their fifth win in a row.
Despite a slow start to the match Calleva grew into the first half, building pressure which led to a Jack French free-kick being held by the keeper.
There was a let-off on the half-hour mark, as a free header was tipped wide by keeper Craig Atkinson.
On 38 minutes, the game changed, as Chipstead’s Richard Orlu was shown red for an off-ball incident.
Facing 45 minutes against ten men, Calleva sensed an opportunity to capitalise and it didn't take long.
Just one minute into the second half, a long throw from the left side was launched into the box, finding the head of commanding defender Joe Cummuskey, who nodded it into the net.
The 59th minute saw a penalty to Tadley as they turned the screw, although Jack French was unable to convert.
With fifteen minutes to go, Tadley got their second. Young midfielder Jordan Goater found himself with a chance to shoot, striking through a crowd of bodies to find the net for 2-0.
Three minutes later it was 3-0, as a second penalty of the day provided Goater with his second goal.
A Chipstead consolation meant it ended 3-1, continuing Calleva’s excellent run.
Tuesday night presented a different challenge, as Tadley travelled to National League South side Farnborough in the Hampshire Senior Cup Second Round.
Despite the tie looking ominous on paper, the reality was quite different, with Farnborough fielding a side which was largely made up of the club’s supporters and backroom staff.
The club have been doing this in protest for some time now, having been disqualified from the cup two years ago for fielding ineligible players.
Up against a team which included the Farnborough media manager, Tadley came out 14-0 winners, but supporters and staff were certainly not getting carried away following a somewhat farcical evening.
Two goals each from Connor Thorne and Kieran Rodgers, as well as five from Alex Fragata saw them through, and Calleva will hope for a dream tie against Bournemouth, Portsmouth or Southampton in the later rounds.
