Lawler’s men put up stiff resistance before slipping to defeat at Bracknell
TADLEY Calleva bowed of the FA Cup on Saturday with their heads held high.
They travelled to Southern League Premier South outfit Bracknell Town on Saturday with high hopes of pulling off another shock victory over a Step 3 side.
They started well and went close on a couple of occasions early on before Bracknell – who are two leagues above the Romans – gradually took control and powered to a 2-0 win.
So that’s the end of Tadley’s cup run – but it’s one they can be immensely proud of.
They caused the shock of the first qualifying round when they outgunned Southern League Weymouth 4-2 in front of the BBC cameras.
And they still have plenty to play for in the Combined Counties Premier South and domestic cup competitions.
Manager Joe Lawler said: “I’m proud of my team, but there is still a long way to go and we want this season to remembered for more than just a cup run.
“We’ve only played four league games so there is plenty to play for.”
Looking back to the cup game, Lawler said: “I was a bit disappointed with how it ended, but it was always going to be a tough game and the run had to come to an end some time.
“That’s the furthest the club has ever gone in the FA Cup and the win over Weymouth certainly raised our profile.
“We started well for the first 20 minutes and I thought Bracknell looked a bit nervous.
“Bracknell then got on top, but didn’t really threaten us until they scored from a set-piece.”
Tadley defended superbly until they finally conceded in the 60th minute when Sam Bagri fired home following a corner.
And the Robins took the game out of Tadley’s reach 10 minutes later when Francis Amartey played in Joe Pavey, who kept his cool to slot the ball past Romans keeper Donnacha Burke.
The cup run has brought in around £7,000 for Tadley – money that is desperately needed at this level.
Lawler said: “It is all about volunteers at this level so to bring in this sort of money is great.
“The run has seen interest in the club go up and we want to build on this for the rest of the season.”
Tadley are back in league action on Saturday when they entertain fourth-placed Badshot Lea in Barlows Park.
