Tadley put pressure on play-off places with thumping Sandhurst win

Tadley Calleva moved to within striking distance of the play-off places following a comprehensive 3-0 win over Sandhurst on Saturday.

Goals from Kieran Rodgers, Jack French and Alex Fragata fired the Tadders to a third Combined Counties Premier Division South win in succession that sees them move up to eighth, six points off the play-offs but with a whopping five games in hand on fifth-placed Balham.

It took just five minutes for Joe Lawler’s side to take the lead when Kieran Rodgers finished off a fluent move as the home side made a dominant start to proceedings at Barlow’s Park.

Sandhurst began to grow into the game and almost capitalised on a defensive mix-up eight minutes before the break. Full-back Alfie Saunders’ attempted clearance rebounded dangerously over his shoulder only for the fleet-footed Craig Atkinson to react quickest and smother the ball before the visitors had the chance to draw level.

Tadley almost doubled their lead three minutes after the restart when Adam Hargood went through on goal but Sandhurst keeper Henry Pigeon was equal to his effort.

The hosts didn’t have to wait much longer for their second and made it 2-0 in the 51st minute when midfielder Jack French lashed a venomous strike into the roof of the net.

The Tadders added a third in the second minute of injury time when great work from Alex Miller released Alex Fragata, who continued his fine scoring form and sealed the result with a well-taken third.

Tadley, who have won six of their last eight in all competitions, will jet off to Jersey this weekend as they take on third-placed Jersey Bulls.